Wow I've really been dragging these out. Just haven't had the time to write, so they've been sitting in my head! Here's the last one of my 2012 Intentions.
This is where I focus on myself. On the activities that nurture my happiness, my interests, and my soul.
I've long lamented my lack of "hobbies". I just don't have any in the conventional sense. I like to cook to feed myself and my family but I'm not a "cook" or a "baker". I (used to) exercise, but I never considered myself an athlete or aficionado of any particular form of activity (except maybe running for a couple of years before my knees made me dial it down). I don't play an instrument or do arts or crafts or photography or...anything. I've tried over the years to "pick up" a hobby, but nothing every stuck. Most recently I decided to learn to knit. (I must return the book and needles to my friend that tried to teach me...12 months ago!) Then I decided to sew. I bought a sewing machine. My first project is sitting there unfinished, taking over my entire desk. I'm determined to finish, but not really inspired to make anything else.
What DO I like to do? I read. Fiction, non-fiction, serious and chick-lit, magazines and blogs and anything I can get my hands on. I've been known to read the back of the cereal box and shampoo container if nothing else is around. I also write. It's been many many years since I've written anything non-science, but I'm back at it...here.
So I will read and write. Whenever I get the chance. I've got a stack of unread books and I'm going to start one tonight (once I start just TRY and get me to stop!). I'll continue to post here as frequently as I want to at any given moment.
But I also want to keep trying new things; I'm not sure what will strike my fancy this year, but whatever it is, I will give myself permission to explore it. You never know, I might find a new passion somewhere!
Have you ever considered music?
ReplyDeletePlaying an instrument? I have considered it--and tried to teach myself the guitar in med school & the keyboard when much younger (actually did pretty well with that, but probably needed formal lessons to advance & never did that). It seems a significant time/money commitment. Maybe someday.
DeleteI have the same struggle with hobbies. There are things I do, but I don't actually necessarily enjoy the process so much as the product. Like sewing--I don't do it for the fun of it but because I need something I can't buy. It's pathetic, but what I tend to choose to do is tidy and organize things... People have advised me to try this or that, but it's gotta come from the heart, right? I hope reading does the trick!
ReplyDeleteGlad I'm not the only one. The thing about reading is that as much as I love it, it doesn't seem like a "proper" hobby---it's so passive. Like people who say their hobby is "watching movies" or worse "watching TV". You are passively absorbing the fruit of SOMEONE ELSE's HOBBY. I think it absolutely has to come from the heart--and get you into that state of "flow" where you are totally absorbed & energized by the activity. I see this happen to G a lot with various things (photography, art, baking & biking) but for me, all those things seem more like a means to an end.
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