I was chatting with a client one day while I was working. This client works at a mental health facility and works closely with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety and various other disorders of the mind. "You know," he started, "it's almost across the board, especially the women, that they never have hobbies." He went on to explain that during patient interviews, an overwhelming number of patients admitted to typically filling their extra time with television and nothing more. Each person is different, naturally, he said, but he theorized that several patients could have a better quality of life by simply having a positive way to channel their emotions in their spare time.
For me, the prospect of being a renaissance woman is simply too appealing for me to know this struggle. Hobbies are the cherry on the sundae of life. I know that life can get hectic, especially with children. Most of my "just for fun" activities are actually done between the hours of 8 p.m. and 12 a.m., after my little one has been tucked in for the night. There is something uniquely satisfying about work that is entirely your own. No one is paying you, yes, but no one is depending on you either. You may work at your own pace and complete your project to your own satisfaction. There's a delightful pleasure in losing yourself in your work. Your work, and only yours. It's a form of true freedom that's so often overlooked. "But, I'm not crafty," you say. I will be happy to make the argument that you can be. Have you tried? Did you fail once before? Wonderful! Welcome to reality, the rest of us are happy to meet you. You cannot pick up a paint brush and expect to paint the Mona Lisa. You cannot buy a sewing machine and produce a runway quality dress on your first attempt. These expectations are unrealistic and if you have them, prepare yourself for disappointment and frustration. What you can expect from your hobby is a personal journey, a process of learning something and developing it. Don't be afraid to crawl before you walk. The greatest achievements of mankind took place because someone woke up one morning and decided to try. Also, who said your hobby has to be a craft? The wonder of being alive is that there are practically endless things to do and try! Here's a short list of some things you might consider as a replacement to your nights in front of the television:
These are just a few examples of some wonderful ways to spend your extra time. There's also one thing I'd like you to take note of, and it's that most of these hobbies will produce something. Activities such as painting, quilting, pottery and wood working can become an affordable way to customize your home, give you gifts for your friends and even provide some extra income (check out Etsy or your local farmer's market if you have an interest in selling your homemade crafts). By taking up hobby like gardening or herbology, you can provide yourself and your family with fresh produce and natural medicines. Last, but not least, Bicycling, jogging and yoga can bless you with better health and a few extra years with the people you love. "Where do I begin?" you might ask. There is a place on the internet for nearly any interest out there. Youtube is a wonderful place for a beginner to get a first glimpse into their potential new hobby. There are plenty of instructional videos for almost any activity. Try some simply searches like "Spanish for beginners," or "cake decorating tutorial" and spend a couple of hours delving into the sea of information that pops up. Google searches for specific blogs on the hobby of your choice are also a great source of information. There's always the trusty public library at your disposal. Not only will the likely have reading material full of precious knowledge, but you may may have resources to aid you in your hobby. For example, our local public library offers full access to ancestry.com, a handy tool if you've chosen to explore genealogy. So, by now maybe you have a few ideas for potential hobbies. Please remember, don't be discouraged if you're not an expert on your first try. However, don't be afraid to keep searching if the hobby you chose doesn't feel right for you. You may feel the exhilaration of the challenge, or it may feel like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Only you will know what's right for you. Nonetheless, I hope you'll consider adding this extra dimension of adventure and fulfillment to your life. Trust me, trading the occasional evening of meaningless boredom for the feeling of pride and accomplishment is well worth the sacrifice.
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AuthorSummer Hamrick at Now or Never Gallery |