It has been a busy couple of years. Panic-inducing, crazy-making busy.
But this year (my just keep swimming year…) I am trying to figure out how to love my God more, love my husband better, be more present for my kids, live a nourishing life, and grow my business/ministry in healthy and God-reliant ways.
And that is where my garden comes in.
You see, I was challenged by someone important in my life that I need to have something outside of ministry and family in my life. I spend a lot of time trying to do for other people, and have not set up healthy ways of replenishing. (And watching a steady stream of Bravo TV doesn’t seem to be doing the trick.)
So when said person asked me what my hobbies are, I just stared back blankly.
“You know, what do you do for fun?”
Blank stare.
So this week, I’m trying to incorporate some fun into my life – the only problem? I kinda forgot what it looked like. So I started to think and dream and consider what I really loved to do that had nothing to do with writing or speaking.
And then that is when I saw the gardening magazine at Safeway. Score.
It has been a long time since I took a day off. But today I did. I spent some time with my magazine, and started to plan for my container garden this spring. Can I tell you how restoring it was to read about dirt, and tomatoes, and to take a pad of paper and just dream a little bit.
I would love to know what you do to have a little fun in your life. It scared me a bit that it took me so long to figure out what I needed. My question is this: As a grown woman with a family or a career or both, what do you do for fun?
I love this post….it seems our hobbies are the first to go when we are busy with careers, home and life. But they are so important. I used to think writing was my hobby, but now I understand that it’s wired in me to do by God. (http://janclinewriter.blogspot.com) Balance is key to sanity…having something to call your own – separate from the home and work can bring peace and joy. Golfing is my favorite passtime outside of writing. Lately my time has been taken with planning a writer’s conference here in my city. But it’s also a pleasureful passtime.
Blessings.
I have FINALLY found God’s dream for my life (writing), but I am a single mom who works full time so I am stretched to the limits. I love to write, knit, crosstitch, and redecorate my humble home. But what works for me is the 15 minute principle (that I just posted about today on my blog, actually) handed down to me from a grad school advisor who completed her PhD by working at it for 15 minutes a day. Basically, you work at your hobby or dream or whatever you love in 15 minute “bite-sized” increments a day. I just started doing this and love it because I know I have something to look forward to every day!
I love to garden, there is something so basic about getting my hands dirty, digging in the soil. The last couple of years I’ve expanded my garden to include various herbs…my own form of aromatherapy! I love to sit outside and enjoy the peace of my garden. I also enjoy reading (I can get lost for hours in a good book), so in my free time I love to visit bookstores and libraries. Not really a “crafty” person but have recently taken up beading and made several bracelets as Christmas gifts last year. And love to poke around flea markets and garage sales!
Things that restore my soul and sanity – reading, writing, crocheting, walking, and gardening…I can lose myself for hours in any of these activities, and sometimes do. I no longer have the stresses of children under foot or a job that I need to attend and love my life. When I was busy with family and work, like you are now, Kathi, crocheting and gardening were my life savers. Happy to hear you are being challenged to renew yourself…you can’t keep giving from an empty well.
Fun, is that really a word? I feel the same way you do Kathi, I was asked to fill out a bio form the other day and it included hobbies and all I could think to write in was “reading”. I do like to read, but realized I don’t have any real hobbies. Then I saw your blog post. I don’t enjoy digging in the dirt like you but I will find something that i enjoy doing and do it regularly. Thanks for the encouragement.
Lots of life changes recently, so I’m just returning to a schedule. I recently found my crochet hooks and shopped for yarn. It was fun just to visit the craft store.
I enjoy rubber stamping along with scrapbooking and making rag quilts. Once a month my scrap consultant has a free workshop where we bring our stuff and work on whatever is needed. Its nice to get away and have adult conversation with frends. I also steal away a few moments after the kids have crashed for the night when I have time sensitive projects!
I love to kayak. I could not kayak this last year due to my injury. However, I am hoping for a fun filled year kayaking some lakes and rivers. I also love to hike. So until spring I am working on healing and getting myself back into shape to do the things i love.
I am easily side-tracked with my hobbies. I sew and I read, both too much. 🙂
Hey, Kathi,
It’s ironic, but writing is all I want and feel called to do and, when I actually sit down to do so, I find I’m having fun! We live in the forest now, so I can garden only minimally, but I do love planting bulbs in secret places in the fall to be surprised by their resurrection in the spring.
When I had land and sunshine, I adored gardening and I think you will, too. The smell of rich, loamy soil does wonder for the soul and home-grown tomatoes, as we know, can’t be beat.
Take time to dream, take time for you, take time to be, my friend.
God bless you,
Martha