You come at this from the viewpoint as a mother, but as a childfree woman, I feel like this still rings so true. I was married for 14 years, and through my divorce, I realized how much of myself I lost. And why? I’ve made a point over the last year of finding “me.” That means I spend my days, and free time, enjoying and embracing all the small things and hobbies that I love and bring me joy.
There is too much sadness and stress in the world to not enjoy the small joys and live wild and free.
I also feel like this is a way to take back what was preached to so many millennial women -- hustle, work all the time, that's the only way to get ahead. I have a fulfilling and demanding job that challenges me intellectually, but I also have to find joy in the world because I'm not a robot! I love needlepoint, just like I love to read and spend time with my friends and go on long walks with my dog. It's what fills my cup. I also have been thinking about this a lot recently in terms of how society positions male hobbies versus female hobbies. Like, personally, I feel like I have to justify how I spend my leisure time -- heck, I even qualified it above -- but there's no mental gymnastics attached to men watching sports, or golfing, or hunting, or doing any of the things that they do in their time out of an office. Anyways, thanks for making me think on a Friday morning. (Substack is also one of my hobbies, obvs)
Love this (as someone that takes art classes with mostly older ladies hehe). And since a long life is not guaranteed, always wonderful to pursue the fun!
Oooh!! This is so on point! I’ve raised 5 children and I have always made time for my hobbies. Journaling along the way as I cooked, cleaned, gardened, painted and crocheted my way through it. It’s what kept me sane, kind of…
But I so want to dive into the Mah Jongg playing. Anyone want to share tips on getting started?
I love this so much. I lost a very dear friend unexpectedly a few years ago, and it really changed my perspective on waiting - unfortunately it was a stark reminder of how short life is. Since then I've really tried to make an emphasis on not waiting to do the things that bring me joy and my life has felt so much fuller and happier!
I've been diving head first into gardening, cross stitch, growing social channels, reading, knitting, and writing. (Also sourdough haha). It's so fun, and I want my kids to learn from me. I can't wait until I'm retired and able to do even more of it.
You come at this from the viewpoint as a mother, but as a childfree woman, I feel like this still rings so true. I was married for 14 years, and through my divorce, I realized how much of myself I lost. And why? I’ve made a point over the last year of finding “me.” That means I spend my days, and free time, enjoying and embracing all the small things and hobbies that I love and bring me joy.
There is too much sadness and stress in the world to not enjoy the small joys and live wild and free.
YES! Love to hear this!
I also feel like this is a way to take back what was preached to so many millennial women -- hustle, work all the time, that's the only way to get ahead. I have a fulfilling and demanding job that challenges me intellectually, but I also have to find joy in the world because I'm not a robot! I love needlepoint, just like I love to read and spend time with my friends and go on long walks with my dog. It's what fills my cup. I also have been thinking about this a lot recently in terms of how society positions male hobbies versus female hobbies. Like, personally, I feel like I have to justify how I spend my leisure time -- heck, I even qualified it above -- but there's no mental gymnastics attached to men watching sports, or golfing, or hunting, or doing any of the things that they do in their time out of an office. Anyways, thanks for making me think on a Friday morning. (Substack is also one of my hobbies, obvs)
Omg you're right... Why *do* I feel the need to defend my hobbies....
Love this (as someone that takes art classes with mostly older ladies hehe). And since a long life is not guaranteed, always wonderful to pursue the fun!
Pursue the fun 🙌🏻
I love this! I fully believe that we need to create time for ourselves every day. We have to fill our cups too!
Oooh!! This is so on point! I’ve raised 5 children and I have always made time for my hobbies. Journaling along the way as I cooked, cleaned, gardened, painted and crocheted my way through it. It’s what kept me sane, kind of…
But I so want to dive into the Mah Jongg playing. Anyone want to share tips on getting started?
I love this so much. I lost a very dear friend unexpectedly a few years ago, and it really changed my perspective on waiting - unfortunately it was a stark reminder of how short life is. Since then I've really tried to make an emphasis on not waiting to do the things that bring me joy and my life has felt so much fuller and happier!
This! Hear, hear. Multi-faceted and dimensional are some of my favorite qualities. Namaste, Carly! Thank you for sharing.
I loved reading this and it really hit home. Why should not feel bad doing things I enjoy! We all need more fun and joy!
Couldn’t agree more! Love my “old lady” hobbies.
I've been diving head first into gardening, cross stitch, growing social channels, reading, knitting, and writing. (Also sourdough haha). It's so fun, and I want my kids to learn from me. I can't wait until I'm retired and able to do even more of it.
In retirement, I will look forward to MORE free time to partake in embroidery, needlepoint, reading books, and legos.
hear, hear!