Do Something You Love

Once a relative called me up and asked what I was doing. I responded with a short list of projects I had going that day, and I was painting a t shirt. I was very crafty at the time. Her response was, "Oh, you must be really bored!" I internalized that I was boring and that there was something wrong with me because this is how I chose to occupy my time.

The thing is the word "bored" is not part of my vocabulary. I can always find something to do to occupy my time. I have plenty of hobbies that provide me interest and satisfaction. As a matter of fact one said hobby kept me busy yesterday that I did not post on Monday like I had intended! I was canning tomatoes with my friend, Rebekah!

Canning things I grow in my garden is one of my hobbies as is gardening! These two hobbies certainly involve work, but they also provide some great benefits. Obviously, being outdoors in the fresh air and sunlight do my body good. Being able to see almost daily changes in the plants and all the insect activity going on is just the ticket for keeping my fascination with life fulfilled. The byproduct of the gardening is the ability to preserve some of the things I grow. The work that goes into canning and preserving is truly rewarding and a good skill to master. I enjoy seeing my pantry shelves fill up as the season progresses. One of the benefits I see that is extra special to me is the connection I feel to my ancestral mothers who had to can and preserve to keep their families fed—out of necessity. I do it for fun! There is also joy in sharing with family and friends. One other benefit I found yesterday was that if you get to share the work with a friend, it so much more fun!

There are two other hobbies I have and really maybe they are more than hobbies. They are a way of living for me. They have helped form part of who I am and continue to do so. I write, obviously. Writing has helped me learn more about myself as I contemplate different aspects of my life. Writing helps me put some order into thoughts and feelings I experience. I have found a wonderful way to physically see how blessed I am by keeping a gratitude journal for years now. My ultimate hobby is reading. I have been a reader for 50 years now and, and my inner library that I carry with me is rich with amazing texts I hold dear in my heart. Reading has opened numerous doors for me especially the one that has led me to friends whom I can share conversations about the books we've read. Reading granted me a career in which I shared my love of reading with children and adults. It has also provided the opportunity to meet numerous authors whom I admire for their work. The best thing reading has allowed me to do is travel to all kinds of places without ever having to leave my home., but then when I can venture out to seek some of the places I have read about it is exciting!

So no matter what hobby/hobbies you have, don't let anyone dim your joy if they don't understand it! We all have different interests. That is what makes us unique. Use your hobbies to make you grow and enjoy life. And, even if you do find yourself "bored" without something to do. Know that it is okay to sit quietly with yourself and contemplate life. It will lead you think about where you've been and where you want to go next...what you want to pursue next as far as something to do. Whatever you choose, keep in mind it is for you and no one else!