Hallelujah for hobbies!

A few years back, I had a patient ask me what I did for fun?  What were my hobbies?  I laughed and blurted out that I didn’t have any.  I said, “I’m a mom and I own this practice. I don’t have time for hobbies.” 

The very next day, I was filling out a questionnaire form and there it was again, ‘List any hobbies you may have.’  I left it blank.

Hobbies. I think I remember what those were.  I use to read books (for fun).  I use to trail run several times a week.  I use to draw and paint.  I use to play sudoko and crosswords (I know, I sound like a real bag of fun, huh).  I baked cookies, cakes and sweets.  I cooked.  I journaled. I even snowboarded. 

Now, I leave that question blank or I jokingly laugh when someone asks me that question.

To be honest, the lack of hobbies in my life at the time, left me unsettled.  Why was it that I couldn’t answer that question? More importantly, what was I modeling for my kids?  To take care of everyone else and leave no time for yourself?  That life is about exhausting yourself to no avail? To not prioritize well-roundedness, or physical, mental or emotional wellness? And the clincher was, “Am I giving the best version of myself to those around me?” 

I didn’t like the answers to any of those questions. 

The fact that work is paramount and my kids are my priority, will never change.  My greatest joy in life is being a mom.  And I‘m proud to have accomplish many of my professional goals, especially owning a practice. But that is not all I am.  I am more.  

And I want to give more to others, but I can’t do so, if I don’t invest in myself. 

Hobbies are just that kind of investment.  Or better said and a more popular term, self-care. 

Self-care is a necessary human function.  Self-care is knowing (or at least, trying) to know your self-worth.  We know we need to foster relationships with our spouse, kids, and friends for deeper and more meaningful relationships however, the same is true for the relationship you have towards yourself. 

Healthy levels of confidence, self-esteem and worth can come from positive self-care.  Self-care is also important to remind yourself and others that your needs are important too. 

I want to be a vibrant picture of life, not a faded remnant of who I use to be. And I want to be this example for my girls. To be the best version of myself for my husband, kids, and others, is my ultimate goal.  

So what does self-care look like?  For me, it was finding a hobby, which I’m happy to say has turned into hobbies.  Still under construction though.  Finding an activity and interest that I can undertake for pleasure has allowed me to foster my creativity and has positively impacted my well-being (mentally, emotionally and physically). 

And the thing is, I would like to think I’m a better mom, a better wife, friend, boss, colleague for it.  I’m no longer starved for me-time. Mentally, physically and emotionally, I feel more full and can give to those around me to a greater extent.  

So the question is, what kind of self care or hobbies ignites an unearthed better version of you? Need some help? Learn 10 easy habits to get you started here.

Stay happy and healthy!

Dr. Jennifer Wademan, OD.