When people ask you, “What do you like to do with yourself?” What do you say? If we don’t list of our job or role as a parent, caregiver or spouse, we list off our hobbies. Activities like running, cooking, reading, even watching TV all come to mind. But how many of these activities do you do for fun?
A lot of us start out doing hobbies we love, but as our responsibilities increase our fun can go down hill. What is ‘fun’ is relegated for a short time before bed, when we are already exhausted and are desperate for some ‘me’ time. Often, they are quieter or more solo ventures – think binging a TV show, knitting, or playing a video game. These are still great things – but if we are doing them with our left-over energy, are we really enjoying them the way we long too? Probably not. In fact, there are probably things you wish you could do, but they feel impossible. So what would it look like to take back a small part of your week, and have fun again?
It’s time to find a new hobby. Don’t panic, this is not an all consuming, stress inducing activity! This is about what you want and need. Then, we make it happen.
Start by asking yourself these questions:
- What did I once love doing?
An old hobby that you gave up doesn’t have to rest forever. Think about the activities you enjoy when you were younger – before you had kids, or a full time job, or less energy. How can you return to your first love in your first stage of life? This could lead you back to team sports, a community choir, even volunteer work!
- What am I afraid of doing?
Is there a hobby or activity you wish you could do, but it terrifies you? Maybe you could set yourself the goal of learning how to do this, and then celebrate after! Dancing, performing, bungee jumping, running – book in an appointment with an instructor, ask a friend to dare with you, or find an app that will lead you through this. Set yourself a goal and go for it!
- What are my friends doing?
In our busyness, we tend to spend less time socialising. Perhaps you can bring more fun into your life by spending more time with your friends. And if there is no one close by, finding some like minded people in a community group, church, or sports team could be the key. Find out what they enjoy doing in their spare time, go to these events together, or catch up for a coffee.
- What do I want to give back to the world?
If your 7-day week feels like a cycle, and you feel a lack of connection, purpose, or meaning, consider what you want to give to the world. This doesn’t have to be another item on your to do list. Rather, it’s a way to figure out what you are truly passionate about in life. Giving back might look like donating your time to a sport club, a charity, a thrift store, a dog kennel, a soup kitchen, or your child’s school. Maybe, you could volunteer your skills as a musician, teacher, writer or cook to a neighbourhood group or an event at work. Your contribution doesn’t have to change the world, but it will change your community and bring joy into your life.
Do you need more fun in your life? Are you running on empty or feel directionless? Contact Colleen on 0434 337 245, Duncan on 0434 331 243 for a FREE 10-minute phone consultation on how we can best help you, or press book now and make an appointment after the Easter holidays. Please note, we are out of the office from Friday April 7- Wednesday April 12.
