Do it--just because.

August 2024--You know how you’re always doing something you have to do—not necessarily something you want or don’t want to do—but you do it because you have to.

You spend a few hours one morning paying your bills. This may not be the epitome of a fun morning, but you know you have to—that is if you want to keep the lights on, make sure the car remains in your possession and the roof stays over your head.

You put in your 40 hours—could be that you want to or maybe not. But you do it so you can pay your bills, purchase that cute outfit you’ve been eyeing in the store window or enjoy a night out at your favorite restaurant.

You spend hours each week straightening, dusting, vacuuming, washing. Again, maybe these are things you might not want to do, but you have to do. And how true is it that you often forego some of the things you want to do because you’ve run out of time after taking care of all the things you have to do.

Wanting and needing in some instances, however, actually can apply to the same thing. Like, sleeping. You want to sleep and you need to sleep. Eating. Again, another activity you want to do (especially if it’s chocolate) and you need to eat.

But what if there was a day devoted to doing things you want to do—and for no particular reason? You do it just because.

Well, there is and what a coincidence that it’s called “Just Because Day.”

That’s right—on August 27, you can celebrate by doing whatever you like just because you feel like doing it. (Note to readers: this year it falls on a Thursday—so to all the full-timers, I’m not saying take the day off work just because.)

So, on this day—put the bills back in the “to pay” file, keep that vacuum in the closet, leave the towels in the dryer.

Do whatever you feel like—take a ride to the beach or get up early to watch the sun rise. Enjoy a s’more at a campfire.

Stop by your local library and peruse the collection of authors you’ve been meaning to read but haven’t. Relax in one of the chairs at the library and read to your heart’s content.

Visit a fruit and vegetable market and head to a park to sit on a bench and savor your treats while enjoying the fresh air. (As much as I do enjoy a good piece of fruit or vegetables, I'd probably visit a chocolate shop.)

Hit a round of golf and don’t keep score. Play just because you want to play.

Go for a jog—at your own pace, even if that means it’s more of a walk.

Take a minute to phone a friend just because you want to say hi.

Text someone you haven’t talked to in a while just because you want to see how they’re doing.

Play catch with your dog in the yard for a little longer. Just because he wants you to.

Start a craft or better yet—finish the one you started a long time ago and tucked away in a closet.

Paint your spare room a different color—a really different color-- just because.

Make a batch of chocolate chip cookies and add tons of chocolate chips—like way more than the recipe calls for.

Go see an afternoon matinee—even if you’re the only one in the theater—and enjoy some freshly made popcorn.

Take a few minutes to go outside to pause and watch the sun set with all its glorious colors.

Most of all—enjoy the day just because. And remember to take it one day at a time.

Now what would YOU do given a chance to do it just because? Scroll down past the photos and leave a comment!

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