The Timeless Joy of Hobbying

Obviously I have a passion for my writing. It has been my oldest and most utilized passion or hobby. Many people say that you ought not do what you love for a career, as the pressure to please others for the paycheck will make one dislike what they originally loved and enjoyed doing. This is the case many times, but for me it doesn't usually happen with writing. A few times I have had paid writing jobs, and I'll admit it wasn't as fun for me as when I write without restrictions or expectations; However, I find joy and comfort and peace in writing, especially if I can do so with a typewriter or traditional computer keyboard. I love it. I love reading too, but I find it so much easier for me to write rather than read. Whether I'm writing a poem or a short story or an editorial or even just coming up with some jokes, I find the whole process a miraculous gift that I have the blessing of enjoying while providing.

I'm not one to brag about myself, but I have other talents as well. I also enjoy singing and dancing. Before I graduated from college, I had thought that music was going to be a big part of my life and success. It was in a way, but not in the way I thought it would be. I wasn't the star of a Broadway show, or the front vocalist for a famous band. However, I believe that my writing served as inspiration for many that were. I had to make do with my 15-minutes of fame on the karaoke stage. I was grateful it was there for me to enjoy my voice. I was grateful to the choir at church for allowing me to learn new and lovely songs of praise and to develop the talent of harmonizing in song. Do you know why the caged bird sings? I surely do. The same reason a pig rolls in the mud, or a dog sticks his head out of the car window. Joy! It's Joyful!

As for dancing, I make it look easy when I'm just letting myself shake it to the music. I didn't have a lot of formal training. My mother was better at it than me, but I inherited rhythm. I let the music enter me and I let my body communicate it. It's glorious.

Another thing about me that not many people know: I'm a pretty good artist. I can put together collages and watercolor paintings that are very interesting and enjoyable to look at. I don't do this for money at all. I know the money would ruin my talent completely. I have to be completely free when I use my artistic ability for visual arts. Sometimes it's my therapy. For example, if I had a very stressful day, one thing I can do to unwind and calm down (if I have the room and the supplies) is to put a collage together. There is something peaceful and meditative about the process. The cutting of the papers and the gluing to the poster board is very cathartic for me. I don't always have a plan. Sometimes I just stick whatever wherever and see how it looks when it's done. Sometimes I have an idea and I take a lot of time on it. Collaging is great, but it's a different feeling for me than painting. I expect to be surprised with collage. I don't expect anything out of painting. I just go with the flow and sometimes the paint is my best friend and I'm shocked at how lovely we are working together; And sometimes I'm very disappointed and I want to scrap the whole thing.

Finally, a passion or hobby of mine is theater. I love acting. I love reading a great script. I love finding the right way to emphasize certain words or to try to convey the emotions of a character. I love seeing how that affects other actors or a live audience. I love the costumes. I love the stage designs. I love a good lighting artist. It's so magical on the stage. So many great people contribute to a masterpiece of live art. I haven't done it nearly enough for as much joy and love as I have for theater.

Maybe I'm not supposed to be so "gifted" or "talented" -- Maybe some people have more or less. I really don't know. I only know that these passions or hobbies make me smile. They bring joy to my life and into my heart. They imprint on my soul and in my mind. If you feel that way about any activity, I'm glad for you. We should all find these passions or hobbies to sustain us as we endeavor to reach our eldest age.