Monday Matchstick Challenge #1
Sparking a sense of adventure in everyday life
Hi, I’m Holly - coach, mindfulness facilitator and author of Zestful Zen. As well as this weekly adventure challenge, I write about self-care, personal growth, mindfulness, and purpose. If you like life to be full of zest and energy, complemented by a zen, calm mind, Zestful Zen is the community for you! Join us now. ✨
I was Christmas shopping some years ago, when I came across a cool stocking filler that I decided to buy (for myself!) A game of sorts, or maybe a challenge: Spark Adventure – 50 Ways to Explore and Discover.
A matchbox-like carton, the large kind you’d need for lighting campfires, adorned with an alpine design.
Inside, a set of flat, wooden, faux “matchsticks”, with a cute design on one side, and instructions on the reverse.
The premise: choose one to spark the spirit of adventure and broaden your horizons.
Inspiration sparks! 💥
Like many a stocking filler around the world, it’s been sitting on my bookshelf for eons ever since, always waiting for mañana.
That is, until this morning!
With a busy day job, and my spare cash eaten by business start-up costs, my wanderlust has been curtailed lately and I’ve been feeling a distinct lack of adventure.
So, I thought, why not give it a go…?
Pulling out a few matchsticks for fun, none of the suggestions struck me as particularly wild. But there’s also something playful about putting on my beginner’s mind and taking the perspective that the ordinary can be entertaining too.
I’ve always enjoyed surprises, challenges and trying new things, so with limited disposable income right now, maybe an accessible mini-adventure is the way to go.
Of course, adventures are often more fun with company, so why not join me in making the everyday exciting again?
To start every week, I’ll pick a matchstick at random, and post it to Substack as a Monday Matchstick Challenge.
I’ll try to deliver on the challenge by the end of the week, sharing my attempts/the outcome with you here.
I’d love it if you’d also dive in, have a go and share your anecdotes too!
So, without further ado….this week’s Monday Matchstick Challenge is:
Think of some rules you usually follow; then break them.
Join the challenge and share your experience in the comments.
Disclaimer: Obviously don’t do anything dangerous or illegal! 😱
I can’t wait to hear about your Sparked Adventures!
Have a magic Monday 🪄✨
Oooh now this sounds interesting. Something I'm going to definitely enjoy journaling about. I think I'm quite rule oriented so I think this will be quite interesting...
Now that I am thinking more on this - something I am actively trying to do is eat more meat. It wasn't really a 'rule' I had to not eat it, but I really prefer vegetarian (mostly) over meat. But I am trying to expand my horizons and get in some more protein and nutrients through grass fed (organic if possible) meat. Chomps grass fed beef sticks are now always in my cupboard. I am enjoying some chicken once and awhile, and I do love salmon (not meat, but healthy).