I’ve chosen ‘play intentionally’ as my theme for July 2024. Then I remembered I had invested in this book a few years ago, but hadn’t started reading it! I found Hop, Skip, Jump by Marney K. Makridakis to be a refreshing and engaging self-help book that offers 75 playful ways to manifest a meaningful life. Through a blend of creativity, playfulness, and practical exercises, it empowers readers like me to transform their lives. The book offers a unique approach to achieving goals and living a fulfilling life by incorporating fun and play.
Hop, Skip, Jump
Divided into three main sections—Hop, Skip, and Jump—Makridakis’s book outlines the various stages involved in manifesting one’s dreams.
Hop: Dreaming and Planning
The focus of this section is on the early stages of goal setting and envisioning. It encourages readers to explore their dreams with curiosity and imagination. With the help of exercises and playful activities, Makridakis assists readers in defining their desires and mapping out their journey.
Skip: Experimenting and Playing
In the Skip stage, readers are invited to explore different techniques and plans. This section motivates readers to try new things and explore without being afraid of failing, underscoring the importance of play. The exercises are designed to assist readers in staying motivated and embracing fresh opportunities.
Jump: Taking Action
The last section, Jump, focuses on taking decisive action and making significant strides towards one’s goals. Makridakis equips readers with practical tools and techniques for overcoming obstacles, staying focused, and achieving their dreams. The focus of these exercises is to turn ideas into action and make them a reality.
Each activity has 25 ideas and a creative toolbox of features: Fun Facts, Top Ten Lists, Haikoodles, AcroWhims, and Manifestgrams.
I found these three themes running through the book.
- Playfulness and Creativity: One of the book’s central themes is the idea that play and creativity are essential components of a meaningful life. Makridakis argues that by infusing our goals with fun and creativity, we can stay motivated and inspired.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: The book encourages readers to remain flexible and open to change. It highlights the importance of experimenting with different approaches and being willing to adapt as needed.
- Mindfulness and Presence: Throughout the book, Makridakis emphasizes the importance of staying present and mindful. She provides exercises to help readers cultivate awareness and stay grounded in the moment.
The author has a lively and engaging style that make this book a joy to go through. I found her tone and enthusiasm inspiring.
You have the flexibility to choose from a range of fun and effective exercises and activities that appeal to you. You can effortlessly incorporate these exercises into your daily routine too.
Here’s some wisdom from the author:
Play can be much more than filling the open spaces between work and daily responsibilities. Animals and children have a deep instinct to play; nobody needs to show them how to do it! But most adults could use a bit of training to connect to playful activities that intensify joy and reduce stress.
When it comes to the intersection of play and productivity, the secret is quite simple: what moves us is what moves us, which means that what moves us emotionally is what moves us to action. This is why play helps us be productive. Play is many things, but it is never still, stuck or stagnant; it somehow always moves. So when it comes to manifesting a meaningful life, play works.
Get Hop, Skip, Jump (affiliate link)on Amazon.
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