If you walked in my attic, you'd probably suggest it for an episode of Hoarders. I don't have a problem...honest...unless you count lack of time to clean and organize the boxes and totes of crafting supplies.
My creativity isn't limited to words. I've done almost all of it--sewing, counted cross-stitch, crocheting, scrapbooking & stamping, crocheting and knitting. In my spare time, I love to stamp and make cards. Papers and stamps and inks...oh my!
Every writer needs a hobby other than writing. Since writing is my career, I no longer consider it a hobby. Something about deadlines and royalty checks, you know. In addition to caring for my family, I work part-time, write, and juggle church obligations. And someone needs to clean the house, shop for groceries, and fold the laundry.
So when in the world do we have time for a hobby??
Well, I schedule time to craft with friends on a regular basis. I need the downtime to recharge my batteries.
Sometimes, if I'm home alone, I'll put in a movie, and then make a stack of cards while getting caught up in someone else's happily ever after. Cardmaking relaxes me and allows me to focus on something other than my growing to-do list. I've even used that time to brainstorm plot points in my novels. Once I've created a stack of cards, I send them to family and friends, hoping to add encouragement to their days.
Whether you work at home or outside the home, you need a hobby. Hobbies aren't limited to things like knitting or scrapbooking. Hobbies can be physical too--running, hiking, fly fishing, bird watching, miming in the park--whatever makes your heart happy...but keep it legal.
Hobbies allow you to express yourself in creative ways to be in touch with both sides of your brain. Hobbies allow you to de-stress in a positive, tangible way. Hobbies allow you to have time for yourself when others demand so much from you.
If you don't have a hobby, think about what you enjoy, and then consider trying that. You're never too old to learn!
Your turn: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Your turn: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Posts
Lisa, having a hobby is so important. My hobbies are simple. I love gardening and playing the piano. I'm not very good at crafting but I do enjoy it with my granddaughters.
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to learn to play the piano. My husband loves to garden as well. He finds it relaxing...I call it work.
DeleteI think my well is dry because I've not had time for my hobbies. I crochet, too, and have a baby shower this month. Last month I bought the yarn, and I've got the favorite pattern picked out. But, I've yet to do a single stitch!
ReplyDeleteHmmm, does squiring around a 13 year old and listening to "mom" "mom" "mom" all day count as a hobby?
I understand a dry well, Pamela. I just told a friend today that I need to schedule time on my calendar for crafting so I can be sure to do it.
DeleteLisa, I've tried a lot of crafts over the years but settled on quilting, which I love. You are so right about the relaxation a hobby gives the writer. It's amazingly helpful.
ReplyDeleteI was talking with a friend yesterday who loves to quilt. She finds it very relaxing too!
DeleteI totally agree, Lisa. Hobbies help us to be more creative in our writing. I’ve taken up agility with my dog. I consider exercise a hobby. I also think it’s important to take time away from your responsibilities of life. In fact this coming weekend I’m going on a writer’s retreat with 20 other writers and it’s just a time to recharge and work on my stuff, brainstorm together, walk on the beach and hopefully laugh a lot.
ReplyDeleteExercise isn't something I'd consider a hobby, but I do love walking my dog in our local park. I was at a retreat at the beach in February...it was a wonderful respite from the cold and snow.
DeleteMy bobby is tennis, if that's considered a hobby.
ReplyDeleteIf it's something you love, yes, it can be a hobby. :)
DeleteOne of my favorite hobbies is singing in the church choir. For one thing, I work at home and it gets me out of the house. For another, you cannot think about the stresses in your life when you're singing a complicated piece of music.
ReplyDeleteI understand about the need of getting out of the house. I work at home too and it's necessary to get that break.
DeleteI like to crochet, sew, cook, embroider, and I love puzzles, especially word puzzles and jigsaw puzzles. I spent many hours working jigsaw puzzles with my grandparents. Now I can work them on my iPad and not worry about what to do with the finished product. LOL. We also love games in this family and play together frequently. Beats a movie or TV program we've already seen!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun memories you're making, Arlene. My son loves to do puzzles on his computer. No more stray pieces on the floor. LOL.
DeleteLike Pam, my well was running dry so hubby and I took a trip to Charleston. I posted photos on this blog and talked about how the time away refreshed me. So, perhaps travel is my current hobby. I need something else though. Something that isn't as involved. I do walk most days and love getting exercise, but that's more of a "have to" rather than for pure enjoyment.
ReplyDeleteThere never seems to be enough hours in the day...
I agree that time is short so I am trying to be better about my time management.
DeleteDebby, that's a fun hobby! Charleston is one of my all-time favorite places--Hubby was stationed outside of there in the late 80s. We eloped, and our first son was born in North Charleston.
DeleteAnn707, it's challenging to find time to do the things we love!
DeleteI’m a quilter but I spend most of my time reading.
ReplyDeleteReading is always fun, Sherri! Would love to have time to quilt. I did a couple projects years ago and loved doing them.
DeleteReading is one of the best hobbies in my opinion. I have several friends who quilt, but I haven't sewn in years.
DeleteI needlepoint, embroidery ,and make pot holders from cotton loops as well as read of course. I also like to walk.
ReplyDeleteI love walking too except in the winter. Too cold where I live. I have pillowcases from a special friend who embroidered them for my 25th wedding anniversary.
DeleteReading and scrapbooking :) I with I had more time LOL
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Natalya. I have so many pictures that need to go into albums...finding the time is tough.
ReplyDelete