Even Botgirl Gets The Blues: Overcoming Virtual World Ennui

No matter how blissful your Second Life honeymoon may be, one day you're going to log in and notice that the magic is gone. The seemingly infinite wellspring of captivating people, places, events and projects has dried up, leaving you bored, restless and questioning the value of your digital life.

I've made it through a number of dry stretches over the course of the last couple of years. Here are a few of the lessons I've learned so far:

1. It's NOT better to burn out than to fade away. Get enough sleep. Spend time with your signficant others. For those who make it past the nubie stage and transform into the avatar of their dreams, a love affair with Second Life can be all-consuming. And the food that's being wolfed down is the time and attention that was formerly devoted to First Life.
2. Figure out your SLpurpose and go back to the drawing board as needed. Check in with yourself on a regular basis and ask "Why am I here?" Maybe it's just to have fun. That's okay. But I suspect that many of us end up living their Second Lives out of habit (or addiction) more than out of joy or the pursuit of some greater purpose. What a waste!
3. Consciously choose your balance of consumption, creation and social activity. It's easy to gravitate to one dimension or another. Stagnation is likely unless you stir things up once and a while.
4. Try new things.The only way to get out of a rut is to step out of your comfort zone once in a while to meet new people and try new activities. This also applies to creatives who can pick a different medium.
   
5. Read my blog regularly. I'm just kidding! 

What have I missed?