subject: Give The Gift Of A New Hobby This Christmas. [print this page] Christmas time for many of us is a time when we are busy trying to finish as much of our business as possible so that we can sit down over the holiday period to relax and have fun with no thoughts of work.
Christmas is also a time when we receive lots of presents and gifts that we have no use or desire for.
Let's face it, after a certain age it is a case of : "If I wanted it, I would go out and buy it myself." That is of course apart from the very few inspired gifts that come our way.
Last year for example, my sister, who is not short of cash, actually made some gifts. Homemade Fudge, Homemade Pickles, Fruit Vodka (I guess the vodka was bought but the fruit was from her garden) and some other rustic wares. I was also given, by another relative, a Self Help/ Instruction book about how to "Play Cards".
To be honest I did not actually realise I wanted to play Cards. I did not even think I needed a hobby but in the quiet time of Christmas I realised that I didn't really have a hobby. My life consisted of Sleeping, Going to Work, Eating, Spending time with my Kids and Watching less than an hour of TV per night.
Basically I was being told by that relative to get a hobby and spend sometime relaxing with something for me. You can only help those around you if you help yourself first. It is not selfish, it is a must. There is a very important reason you are told on an aircraft to fasten your own emergency mask before the child next to you. It is because you are of no use to them if you have passed out. That same applies to Daily Life.
Now, I learned one of the more common social card games, I am not very good, but it allows me some time to go out with mates - some old, some new, have a few hours 'me' time and relax away from my daily life (I mainly lose money but we only play for small change... so who cares.)
The power of a hobby is amazing.
This year was Cards. Next year I think I should learn how to take a decent Photograph . It does not really matter as it allows me focus my creative energy to do something outside of Work or my Family and into something for me. This allows me to bring a new perspective into those existing areas that they will also benefit from.
I now have taken it upon myself to target a workaholic member of my family (name omitted so not to spoil the surprise) with the gift of a new hobby this Christmas.
I hope that they will also review their life practices and benefit just as I have and will continue to in the future as my horizons are expanded by new hobbies and skills.
