Learn & Launch a Personal Project

Learn

• Consider taking an online class- crafting, cooking, knitting, dancing, quilting etc.

• Platforms like Khan Academy, MIT Open Courseware, Open Culture, Udacity, Coursera,  Edx, Class Central, MasterClass, Skillshare, YouTube’s Learn@Home are a few places which offer online courses

• Some courses are free of cost, if you audit them.

• Look at your local university’s web page for subsidized learning programs like OLLI and BSU.

• Learn a new language.

• Look into the resources on your local library’s website.

• Stir your curiosity by listening to a TED talk, a podcast, or watch a documentary online or a video on BrainPOP.

• Read and/or listen to books from your local library’s online page, DPLA, Open Library, Gutenberg.org, National Archives, Audible, Learning Ally, Kindle, Spotify books, Overdrive, Hoopla, Libby by Overdrive, or USA.gov library.

Launch a Project

• A hobby or a project for a few minutes daily can be a mind getaway or a mini vacation. Consider a new hobby or further/ rekindle an old one with no strings attached just for the joy of it. Do not expect any return.

• There are many YouTube videos for amateurs from whittling to baking. 

• There are many other projects out there: Create a new tradition, volunteer for a cause, do a long term arts and craft project, find ways to repurpose things you have in the house, write to a pen pal etc.

• Consider an intergenerational activity/project with your family or community (check out resources locally or online).

Projects to Consider for Children, Young Adults & Families

• Write time capsule letters to your future self or others.

• Create a podcast, write a blog, or build a website or tutor a child on line.

• Find an efficient way to do chores around the house.

• Read a book series you have always wanted to read.

• Cook a themed meal for your family and/ or friends periodically.

• Clean up your closet or room

  Projects to Consider for Older Adults

• Write a book:

  Examples: A “Family Recipe” book, a joke book, a “ My Wisdom and Experience” book, a “My Childhood” book, a “My Children’s Childhood” book.

• Record (audio, video or write) short stories/snippets of your past.

• Write time - capsule letters for others to open in the future.

• Trace your family tree.

• Hold a storytelling night.

• Reorganize/ downsize your home.

• Consider being a mentor.