Tip 8: Find your True North
As children, we are often deeply connected to the things that bring us joy. Whether it’s playing outside for hours, exploring nature, or simply spending time with our pets, those activities made us feel free, happy, and carefree. Over time, as we grow older and life becomes filled with responsibilities, we often lose touch with the things we once loved. To rediscover that sense of joy and freedom—similar to how you feel on vacation—you need to reconnect with your “True North.” This concept refers to the activities, passions, and experiences that ground you and remind you of your authentic self.
Think back to your childhood—what activities did you love most? Was it playing with your dog, fishing by a lake, or spending hours creating artwork? Maybe it was as simple as riding your bike around the neighborhood, reading comic books, or building sandcastles at the beach. These activities may seem small or insignificant, but they were likely things that made you feel the most alive and connected to yourself.
By returning to the things you loved doing as a child, you can regain that sense of wonder and excitement. These activities can transport you back to a time when life was simpler, and in doing so, you can experience the same joy and relaxation you feel on vacation—right in your everyday life.
Our childhood interests and passions often reflect our truest selves, untainted by societal expectations or the pressures of adulthood. When we engage in the activities we loved as children, we tap into a deep sense of play and creativity that we may have forgotten as adults. This playfulness allows us to step away from the grind of daily life and reconnect with our core selves.
For instance, if you loved spending time outdoors as a child, whether it was fishing, hiking, or simply exploring, returning to nature can help you rediscover a sense of peace and contentment. Similarly, if you loved playing sports or riding your bike around the block, finding time to engage in physical activities can bring back that carefree feeling you had as a child.
The key is to tap into what made you happy before the demands of adulthood took over—those moments where you felt most yourself, most free.
One of the most powerful ways to bring back that sense of childhood joy is to incorporate more play into your routine. This doesn’t mean you have to play with toys or games (unless you want to, of course!), but rather that you should approach life with a sense of playfulness and curiosity.
If you used to love exploring the outdoors, take time each week to visit a local park, go fishing, or even just take a walk in nature. If you were an animal lover as a child, consider spending more time with pets or volunteering at an animal shelter. The point is to find the activities that light you up inside and make time for them regularly.
Not only will this help you reconnect with your True North, but it will also bring a sense of relaxation and fun to your daily life—just like a vacation does.
Many of us were highly creative as children, whether through drawing, painting, writing stories, or building things with our hands. Unfortunately, as we grow older, we often let go of these creative outlets, either because we no longer have time or because we don’t feel they are “practical.” But creativity is a powerful way to reconnect with yourself and rediscover what makes you happy.
If you loved to draw as a child, grab some art supplies and start sketching again. If you enjoyed writing stories, pick up a notebook and let your imagination run wild. Even if you don’t consider yourself
