I was chit chatting with my sister today while I was working on writing a blog post about hobbies. She suggested I share my thoughts about writing, or lack thereof, on the blog. I was going to wait but as this is hobby I want to pursue I thought it might be a good idea, so here goes. I am just today noticing that I tend to put off writing these posts because I think it’s got to be this profound, meaningful, long, carefully written blog post to end all blog posts. And, I’m realizing, just now, that it doesn’t have to be perfect. I’m not doing this for anyone really but me and any people who read it should be able to, eventually, learn my sense of humor and my sarcastic wit! Along with my sensitive and emotional side, of course! If people don’t like it they don’t have to read it. I put too much fucking pressure on myself to be perfect AND that is one of the things that make me spin around in circles and get nothing done. That being said, here are my thoughts on hobbies.
Hobbies are awesome. Hobbies are those things we do in our free time or the things we make time to do. Having a hobby is a great way to decompress, manage stress, and exercise the mind, body, and/or spirit. Allowing ourselves to participate in a pastime we enjoy can actually lower blood pressure. And, low blood pressure is a major component in whole health.
These merry diversions allow us time to get out of our own heads. Or, in some cases, they allow us to express what’s going on in our heads. Either way, hobbies are great ways to learn new things, meet new people, or develop new talents. They can increase self-esteem and induce pleasure and a sense of accomplishment. Hobbies can also provide physical activity, influence an artistic gift or an intellectual pursuit, or just about anything you can imagine! There’s no boundaries for hobbies.
My favorite hobby walking on the beach collecting beach glass, rocks, crinoids, geodes, drift wood, and sometimes other peoples’ washed up trash. Most days, I’m there for an hour. The times vary with schedules and weather but it is always something I make time to do. I’ve been doing it most of my life. It relaxes and inspires me. My beach walks fill me with gratitude. Finding those pieces of beach glass, the perfect fossil, or the shiniest of geodes gently reminds me of all the blessings I have in my life. It is also where I go if I need to find my balance or get rid of frustration or anger. This hobby also makes it possible to work on my other hobbies; designing beach themed crafts.
What hobbies provide you with that much needed down time? Why do you have your hobby? And, if you don’t have a hobby, what’s stopping you? I’d love to hear what other people do for fun!
Peace.
Don’t just do something, sit there! 
I like things that have a start and a finish. I feel like so many things in my life are never-ending (work, housework) that something with a finite end is really satisfying. I’ve tried painting, cooking, sewing, music, yoga… And each involves finite tasks. I guess my hobbies are as much relaxation as fulfilling a need. I love your hobbies. They’re so hippie/free/thankful/joyous. That’s a word now.
I like what you said about being a little intimidated about each blog post. Like you should writing something profound and perfect each post, but sometimes you want to write about shit people can relate to and it’s nothing mind blowing! I get it. I feel you.
I’m not sure that I have a hobby. Does reading count? I like reading blogs daily, am obsessed with magazines as well as reading whatever is on my ereader at the moment. I don’t think reading counts, but it’s what I’ve got. 🙂
reading definitely counts