Nov 16 2008
Why Didn’t I Develop a Real Hobby?
Why Didn’t I Develop a Real Hobby?
I am concerned that I may end up like my Father, who never developed any passion for any hobby at all, other than taking Polaroid pictures and putting them in albums. He was so bored with most activities that he was just bored with life in general. When he couldn’t work in construction any longer, and then his marriage ended, he had nothing to do. He had absolutely nothing to do. I have to make sure that is not my fate.
I often list several interests when I complete “profile” blocks on various social networking sites, but none of these interests represent a true hobby.
First of all, it seems like a true “hobby” emerges from one’s passions and brings joy to our days. I feel no passion about any of my interests, and none really bring great joy to my days. Hobbies often, though not always, represent a significant investment in both time and money. An expense that we are willing to bear because it adds to our quality of life.
So…in listing my “interests” I include photography, writing, flyfishing, gardening, golf, camping, hiking, and pets. Our only significant investment in money is the small, used motor home that we purchased this year for $11,000. It is 17 years old. We purchased it because sleeping in tents and crawling around on the ground has become difficult in my 60’s. I haven’t golfed in two years, primarily due to lower back problems, my garden doesn’t get planted, my flyfishing this summer amounted to getting my line wet twice. I take pictures but don’t do anything with them. My writing consists of this blog and three others. I hike only when my wife insists we take a walk while out camping, and the pets….? I tolerate them and mostly my time involved with pets consists of feeding them and picking up poop in the yard.
So it is time to investigate some other activities. Any suggestions?
Tomorrow: Why Didn’t I Become a Librarian?
Yesterday: Why Didn’t I Think Before I Acted?
I personally think it’s more difficult for men to develop passions than women. We have been retired for a few years now and I’m perfectly happy jumping from one thing to another but husband is beginning to feel boredom creeping in.
For me, I spent too many years never being able to do anything that interested me, I didn’t have time to even explore subjects that I thought might be interesting enough to delve into but I do now and I have more to do than when I was working and love everyday.
I hope you find something that lights your fire.