I’ve been thinking about how I spend my downtime lately. When I finish my work, I find myself doing mindless things like watching TV and playing video games. There’s nothing inherently wrong with these things, but when I audited my time, it started bothering me. 

As I get older, I think more about the memories I’ll have later in life. I’m not sure I’ll look back on that time as meaningfully as I’d like.

Back in the 90s, I used to play music. I was in a couple of bands; I played guitar for a band called Strife for about a year or so, then started a band called Eyelid. The years playing with Eyelid, playing shows, touring, and practice sessions were all memories I still hold onto. When Eyelid split up in ’98, I pretty much stopped playing.

Every time I’d go to shows in recent years, I’d look at the bands and think, “Why did I give that up?” Over the years, I would pick up the bass and play for a few months, then give it up again. Something recently sparked my interest again, and I’ve been playing every day.

What I’ve found is that using my downtime this way fills my cup, so to speak. It’s difficult and challenges my brain. I think it’s making me sharper and more hyped up every day. At 53 years old, I don’t have as much runway as I did when I was in my 20s, but there’s still time. Maybe something will come of this, maybe not. But having it back in my life seems right.

Is there something you gave up in your younger years that’s worth revisiting? Maybe it’s a spark worth reigniting.

— Bus