I enjoy life. Not as much as some, but definitely more than most… my cousin (who may enjoy life more than me) uses a quote on her myspace page that sums up this perspective on life:
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming “WOO HOO what a ride!”
Now, I might not share that same enthusiasm, but I do believe life is endless in its possibilities. Two caveats to this statement –>
- I have yet to marry,
- and I have no children.
You would have to agree that these two choices would severely limit the “endless possibilities” jargon. This is not a bad thing, I would not even tie an good/bad connotation to this statement, it is neither/nor. Choosing marriage and then subsequently children narrows the scope from endless to not-quite-so-endless. Though, it is important to note that these decisions also expand possibilities, as a single man with no wife or child could never experience the joy and challenge of marriage with children and the endless possibilities therewithin.
Ok, enough circular logic.
My point is this – because my perspective is that life is endless in its possibilities, I have many hobbies and interests of which I am moderately good at, though not outstanding in. A jack of all trades, master of none. And this is kinda frustrating. I want to pick one or two hobbies and do them well, maybe even really well, but I lack the discipline to focus on one thing; while I also ignoring the plethora of entertaining distractions around me.
Examples:
- I own two guitars but only know enough to impress a girl in a guitar shop for 5 min…
- I have a road bike and a lot of spandex but haven’t ridden in a race for 2 years…
- I went hunting last month and shot a wild boar (first time hunting in years)…
- I have two book proposals in my files – neither as robust as they should be…
- I enjoy Yoga, but don’t own a Yoga mat…
- I own my own wet suit but have only surfed in it twice…
- I have a photography portfolio but I don’t own a camera…
- I own a snowboard and gear, yet only go snowboarding once a year…
- I love, love, love fly fishing yet only go once or twice a year…
- et cetera…
So, I’ve decided to think about giving up some hobbies… and open the door to a life of endless possibilities while shutting the door to a life of limitless distractions.
What hobbies do you enjoy? And/or what hobby is it time to hang up?
No Comments on "hobby(ies)…"
I own a tennis rackets, and played for the high school tennis team, but only pick it up a few times a year. I'd like to be better about that. I'd also like to be better at photography and graphic design, which at this point I think I have a knack for but have not practiced thoroughly. I DEFINITELY need to read for pleasure more — my sister in law always scoffs that a journalism major such as myself read so few books. One thing I can stand to do less of is watch TV…a sorry excuse for a hobby, I know, but it does pass a lot of my time (even though I fancy myself a bit of a TV snow and don't just watch whatever's on).
P.S. Make no mistake about, my friend: Marriage and children blows off the doors of your possibilities