On hobbies

I’ve never been much of a hobby person. I’ve never really seen the point. Hobbies are highly unproductive, after all. Even when reading, which most would classify as a hobby, I tend to read books where I am learning something I can apply to my work.

When I get asked “what do you do for fun?” I feel a bit awkward or boring. I mention enjoying the outdoors, reading, or spending time with friends. And the truth is, I’ve always really loved my work. It’s fun! And it is far more productive than a hobby. But what do I do for the sake of fun without productivity? I don’t! (Or didn’t)

I just happened to marry the hobbyist hobby guy there is. To give you a sense, before we were married I was helping Brandon clean out his garage and I came across a huge bucket of scuba gear. We live in Alberta…land locked, prairie filled, cold Alberta. His response, “it’s really handy having your own gear.” If there’s a hobby out there he has tried it.

A while ago, Brandon asked me if there was a hobby I would be interested in exploring. Instantly my brain went to “what’s the point?” (and I might have said it out loud). I noticed my resistance and when that happens I’ve been trained to get curious.

A few things came up for me. (1) I noticed I resisted hobbies because I didn’t think I would be very good at the things I wanted to try. (2) I was really committed to productivity with my hobbies. (3) Both 1 and 2 were not aligned with who I truly want to be.

I long to be adventurous, trying new things and discovering new passions. And I am committed to rest and finding creative ways of resting and playing.

So I went against my natural instinct and I started dreaming of hobbies.

Before I did that, though, I switched my language. The term “hobby” still wasn’t working for me, so I called it “play.” Play sounds way more fun to me. What would I do to play today? This week? This year?

I started with watercolours, and I gave myself permission to paint for the sake of painting. Nothing needs to end up in a frame or on a wall. I am painting for play.

The other hobby I have adopted from my husband is fly fishing. We are catch and release fishers, so our fishing truly is for the love, passion, and fun of fishing.

So, my letter to little Julianne - explore a hobby…or twenty. Find something and have fun with it. Remember though, the key to successful hobby-ing is the output is not point. Learn to do things for the joy of doing it. And let any sense of a lack of productivity let you know you are on the right track.

May your curiosity lead you towards play, and may you find rest in the process.