The theme for May 2025 is giving ourselves permission to explore new hobbies, or “May I?”

Do you give yourself permission to try whatever activity interests you?

Many of us hesitate, saying it costs too much, or it’s too hard, or we don’t have enough time.

Maybe over the years we’ve even forgotten how to dream about the possibilities.

Pick a skill you really envy:

“I wish I could play the guitar.”

“It would be so cool to be able to draw well.”

“I wish I could rollerblade.”

Envy is the GPS of your heart; it shows you which direction you want to go.

Remember, though, your GPS does not dictate the velocity. Aim well, and you’ll feel great no matter how slowly, gently, you progress. Here’s how to begin.

First, admit your starting point:

 “I can’t (fill in the blank).”

““I can’t draw people.”

Then add the magic three-letter word – “yet.”

“I can’t draw people… yet.”

I suddenly feel different. Like I’ve actually begun! Huh, that’s odd.

It helps to make fun of your excuses by turning them all into the voice of Charlie Brown’s teacher.

It’s okay to start slowly; if you’re enjoying yourself, you’ll continue. That enjoyment, plus picturing your skill level a year from now, is all the momentum you need.

With the Magic of “Yet” we can all begin.

What recreational activity would you like to test-drive this month?

Taking up the harmonica? (SO much fun!)

Drawing outdoors? (“Look at That!” is my way of life!)

Going for a regular walk with a journal to write about and sketch identifiable plants and birds? (You’ll notice things that in the past were invisible!)

“Can I?” Of course you can.

“May I?” Ah, an excellent question.

Next week I’ll reveal the permission slip I plan to give myself. Perhaps even more cartoons will be revealed…

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I hope you enjoyed this essay. Click on the “Word Cloud” at the right if you’d like to read more about a specific topic. Feel free to forward any of them to friends and family members who might enjoy them.

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As always, thanks for spending some time with me “aloft.” Happy gazing and sketching!