When you think of hobbies, it is something that we assume everyone has. A person can sew, paint, read, write or work out. Hobbies are something that we do for fun or to release stress. There are people who have tons of hobbies and enjoy everyone of them. And there are others who may have a few that they stick to every week religiously. I look at my life and think, “Well, I have hobbies, but haven’t hobbied in awhile”. I recently finished school and I thought to myself, “I’m going to start reading and writing again”. Those were major hobbies of mine years ago. I finally have free time where I can read for fun and not textbooks. I can write for the joy of it and not papers(being a novelist was always a dream of mine).
Besides this blog, I have yet to find myself reading or writing for entertainment. I will pick up a book and think, nah. I will write tid bits, but never a full poem or story. When I was younger, I had hobbies that I enjoyed. At this point in my life, the things I once enjoyed, does not bring me joy. I remember I managed to read three books in one week(pre-children and school). Now I am lucky to even pick up a book and get past the first chapter.
I know that this inability to do things just for me, is my fault. I’ve been a mother for seven years and rarely set time aside for myself. As the years went by the more time I had, I gave to everyone else and not myself. You get to a point and you ask yourself, “What do I enjoy doing the most?” All the things I enjoy doing haven’t gone completely. I like to play video games and some days a manage a couple rounds of game play. If I wake up early enough or if the kids are napping I can play. I know you may say, “Why not read or write?” Reading and writing are things that I can get lost in. If a story is amazing, I wont want to stop. If I am writing and the words are following, I do not want a dam put in my way.
As a mother, I am still figuring out how to put time aside for me. I’ve struggled with this, especially after my last two children. They were born within two years of each other. Toddler wants lots of attention and babies need it. So I gave them plus my oldest time and attention. I left myself, my wants and my needs by the wayside. Do I blame this on my children, no. This is my fault. There are plenty of parents that manage to stay who they are after having children. They manage to have a career, a social life, and time for self-care. I envy those moms especially who look put together all the time from head to toe. There is always something on me that is a hot mess. For example, I rocked a messy pony/bun for about two weeks. I wear dresses and can’t remember the last time I shaved my legs(it’s been awhile).
So how can I incorporate hobbies into my life (or you in yours)? I’m always told to take an hour for myself. I know this task seems so hard to do, when going to the bathroom alone in damn near impossible. For me I either find time early in the morning or once my husband returns home. So far I tend to just sit alone with my thoughts or browse the web. The first hobby that I want to add is reading. I think the best way to do this, is to read while the girls are doing one of their hobbies. If they are preoccupied with an activity, then I can focus on mine. I was thinking about starting a reading hour for my family. During this time, we will all be involved in reading activities.
I know not all kids enjoy reading, especially when they start out learning how. I want to be an example for them. I want my children to grow up with a love of reading. I think adding a dedicated reading time can help all of us. I know I mentioned time for myself in the beginning of this post, but small steps. A second hobby that I want to add back into my life is crocheting. I used to make blankets for my girls but haven’t in a year or so. I think I can achieve this hobby while my two oldest are in school and my baby is home. She has become more independent and likes to play by herself. This will be a great time for me to do this hobby.
This all sounds good written down and an easy task, but to make sure I complete these goals I will post and blog about it. I will share my progress on my Instagram and twitter within the next week or so. I hope these small steps lead to me finding hobbies that I can enjoy again. If any of my readers have any suggestions on how they find time for themselves comment below and let me and others know!
I was happy and proud that she didn’t cry or was upset. I kind of feel silly looking back at my first daughters first day of school and was upset that she didn’t cry. We all want our children to be ready for the world without us, yet I was upset that my child was. It’s the first time in my life where I wasn’t going to be around my child for long periods of time and that she wouldn’t need me. And that’s where I realized where my problem was. This was the first time that my child will be completely independent of me. She will not have me by her side. Once I have come to this conclusion, I thought that it was ridiculous.
Finding Who I am Again 