The dictionary defines “jaunt” as:
jaunt | [jawnt, jahnt] | noun
a short journey, especially one taken for pleasure.
Jaunts can be as simple as taking a walk or they can be a little more involved, such as going away for the weekend. They’re a great way to explore when you don’t have a lot of time, but you’re looking for a break from the routine.
I also find that jaunts can jolt the creative juices. Getting out of your usual space and taking a “short journey, especially for pleasure” is sometimes all the brain needs to find a creative resolution. Neither our bodies nor our minds are meant to stay in one place all the time.
I actually find it quite interesting that the adjective “jaunty” means “having or expressing a lively, cheerful, and self-confident manner.” Icouldn’t find much on the origins of the word “jaunt” but I like to think that the adjective came about as a result of the verb. Jaunting results in feeling jaunty, or cheerful.
Jaunts can also be a great way to have an adventure. Taking a short trip to a nearby town or taking a walk in an area that you usually drive by can be a great way to stumble upon something wonderful that you haven’t noticed before.
So next time you’re stumped for an idea, or you’re feeling a bit stuck in your everday habits, go off on a jaunt,and add a little adventure into your day.
Booked & Ready 
Jaunt is such a lovely word. Anywhere near water is a great place for me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Being near the water is my favorite as well! My family had a boat growing up, and I’m always drawn to water.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love jaunts, participate in them all the time, and normally drag my family with me
LikeLiked by 1 person
I live near a lake, so a jaunt around it always helps me clear away the mind junk and focus on being creative. A couple of years ago, we walked through the Calaveras Sequoia park in CA. It was so quiet and peaceful, I felt like my creative juices were flowing out my ears. I hated having to leave and I envy those who live nearby and can spend their days in the park.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, I envy you for living near a lake! 😉 But I do agree that getting out in nature is such a good way to clear you head and get a fresh start on something. And sometimes even just being outside in a crowd helps, too. I’m definitely a believer in changing up your environment from time to time.
LikeLike
Great word. Chambers says early uses correspond to Shakespeare’s usage of ‘jaunce’ – to ‘prance’.
I find dog walking is a very good way to get my brain thinking in other ways.
Otherwise I’m in my chair at the computer, or on the sofa, writing all day.
~Liz http://www.lizbrownleepoet.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am not surprised it comes from Shakespeare; it seems like something he’d think up.
Always good to shake up sitting all day! Both for your health and creativity. 🙂
LikeLike
Absolutely agree with the water factor. The coast/ocean, a lake, a creek, it is a must-have for me when traveling. There is nothing like getting outdoors, soaking up the beauty that surrounds you, and just getting rejuvenated. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel like growing up near a lake-river-canal trifecta made sure I would never be fully at home in a landlocked location. I think it’s why as much as I want to love where I live in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina (it’s really a very cool place), I just can’t do it. There’s not enough water here. But we’re only 2 hours from the beach or the mountains so I try to see the positive! 🙂
LikeLike
I’m very fortunate that we are in a prime location for water access. We are an hour inland from the Pacific, live a few minutes from a river, and are an hour to the mountains that boast tons of lakes. I would never be able to live in a landlocked state!!
I’m iffy on how I feel about the truth behind zodiacs, but I’m a Cancer and that sign’s love of water is definitely something I relate to!!
LikeLiked by 1 person