Hobbies

 

I read an interesting article in Time magazine earlier this evening about hobbies and how to start them.  Now, I have a few hobbies, things I enjoy doing and I'm sure you do as well.  Of course, cooking is right up there at the top of my list.  Some people may not consider that a hobby because we all have to eat.  But for me, it's also a hobby.  I get lots of pleasure out of cooking.  It relaxes me and reduces my stress level...normally.  I mean, there are times when recipes do not turn out well and that can be stressful LOL  But that is one of my main hobbies.  I also enjoy reading and classic tv shows.  I read slowly, so it takes me awhile to get through a book, but I enjoy it nonetheless.

As I am working on rebuilding my life, I think it is time to add some more hobbies into it.  One of the things that really stuck out to me in this article was about picking new hobbies.  The author advised to look at what is lacking in your life that you want to be there.  Immediately three things came to mind:  physical activity, creativity and spirituality.  These are three things that I feel I do not have enough of in my life and if I can fill that void in the form of a hobby, even better!

I'm not exactly sure how I can find a hobby in spirituality, but I'm sure it's possible.  I do miss the weekly church events that I grew up with and would like to find something similar in my adult life.  I've been to several churches over the past few years and even though I liked both of them, I need something in between.  Maybe I will start exploring different churches and different denominations to see what fits for me.  And I do realize that spirituality does not necessarily mean religion, but for me it's going to be a good place to start.  

Physically, I need to find a hobby that keeps me moving.  I used to train at a boxing gym and have thought about going back to that at some point, if I can find the funds.  I did it because I loved it and it was good exercise.  I have no interest in serious competition but just having fun.  I have also seriously thought about looking for an adult dance class.  I loved dance classes in college and had pretty good rhythm.  I've always wanted to do ballroom dancing as well, so I may look at that.  Would be fun.  I could get out and go to the different parks in the area.  I'm not one for hiking, per say, but I would enjoy walking in actual parks.

Creativity is something that I have been missing as well.  I can think of several things to do as far as that goes.  I need to find a piano to practice on.  Talk about lowering my stress levels, piano playing does that for sure.  I think I may also look into auditioning for a play. It's been decades since I have set foot on stage and I would like to return to that...cue Norma Desmond!  I might also get back into needlework.  I did that a lot as a child and loved it.  I am not a good drawer or painter, but working with thread gives me the opportunity to create some thing of beauty.  Anyone have any other suggestioins?  I'm open!

I think that adding some things like this to my life will not only help me to be more well rounded, but it will bring me a sense of satisfaction and peace that I haven't had in a long time.  That is the hope, anyway.  Time will tell!  That is all.