Bored? Open a can of gumption

This month there will be no excuses.

It's Anti-boredom Month and we've got adventures to find and things to do.

Are you a chess player, a model boat builder, Scrabble star, space explorer? Yes? Good for you. I'm not, but by the end of the month, they may be hobbies I can call my own.

It can be scary to start something new, but really, doing little more than binge watching your favorite streaming service or scrolling through your phone for hours gets boring. And boring is, well boring. And a bit depressing.

So how can we approach Anti-boredom Month?

Nothing beats boredom like doing something. And, as I've learned over and over again, it's taking action that makes all the difference.

Yes, it's hard to get started. And yes, it takes effort, even a bit of gumption. That can of gumption up above was inspired by Popeye. Open a can of spinach, gobble it up, and find renewed courage and strength. Was it really the spinach that gave him strength? I'm not so sure. Have you tasted canned spinach?

I think it's something else.

I think it's more about stepping up, gathering gumption, and giving it a go. Saying, "OK, I'll try." Or, "Hey, it's my turn."

So this month, I'm going to try new things. And, because it's also Baked Bean Month and I'm inspired by canned goodness, I'm going to try something out of the can. I'm going to make baked beans from scratch. I’m looking for a recipe. If you’ve got one, would you be willing to share it?

Or, if you’re like me and have never made your own baked beans, let's try it together.

Here are more things happening in July. I'll post what I'm doing, and would love to hear what you're up to, too.

International Zine Month
A whole book from one sheet of paper.

National Anti-Boredom Month
We’ve got that covered.

Etch-a-Sketch Day
It’s knob easy.

National Baked Bean Month
Cook ‘em low and slow.

Ice Cream Month
Are they sprinkles or jimmies?

National Picnic Month
Take it out to the park.

Watermelon Month
A wedge will do.

International Cherry Pit Spitting Day
Watch where it lands.

Chocolate Day
How many ways are there to make this happen?

Embrace Your Geekness Day
Finally!

Space Exploration Day
What’s a light year?

Paperback Book Day
A real page turner.

National Avocado Day
Got pudding?

Check in throughout the month to see what we find. And if you’ve got ideas, share them with us. After all, it’s Anti-boredom Month and you've got a can of gumption waiting to be opened.