Guilt Trip

I have been in a bit of “strange” mood lately, so much so that Jason asked me if everything is OK with me. I replied and said that I was fine, just in a bit of a “slump” and not in the mood for anything.

We started unpacking as to what has caused me to start feeling this way since nothing “dramatic” has happened that we could pin point it to. I have a day of the week routine and also a morning and afternoon routine. Once we ran through it, we realised that my afternoons are the root of the problem. I would wake up, do my social media posts for my coaching practice, do my exercise, have my breakfast, shower, whilst working doing work emails in-between. By lunch time I would turn the TV on so that I can watch a mindless program whilst having my lunch. This would then turn into hours of doing nothing, whilst keeping an eye on the work e-mails. At some stage there would be the sudden urge to cook or bake something and by then it is almost dinner time and another day of “nothingness” just materialized.

Saturday after posting my blog, I decided that I wanted a “me” day of doing nothing but lazing in bed. As if I really needed another one of those! By the evening it was time to catch up with some friends over a Zoom call and just sit back with our glasses of wine and enjoy our social distance interaction.

On Sunday after staring at my newly painted bookcase, I decided that it was time to actually start reading again! Not sure why I stopped, but I am glad to report that that is how I spent my Sunday, reading. Reading followed by making of Chocolate, coconut and oats macaroons, one of Jason’s favourites.

Monday was the “cleaning” day and by the afternoon I was in the “slump” of “laziness” again. That is what prompted Jason and I to “unpack” what was happening with me.

Our conversation led back to my hobbies or as he says, “lack of”. I argued that I bake and cook and read, but his come back was that if I was such a “serious” baker I would be producing “iced master pieces” by now. Yes, OK, point taken, but what about my reading. His response, “when was the last time you finished reading a book, besides the 3 more than a month ago?” I see where you are going with this Mr Hardisty.

Now I know that I have covered the topic of hobbies before, but do I really not have one and what constitutes as a hobby?

According to Wikipedia:

A hobby is a regular activity done for enjoyment, typically during one's leisure time, not professionally and not for pay. Hobbies include collecting themed items and objects, engaging in creative and artistic pursuits, playing sports, or pursuing other amusements.

Hobbyists may be identified under three sub-categories: casual leisure which is intrinsically rewarding, short-lived, pleasurable activity requiring little or no preparation, serious leisure which is the systematic pursuit of an amateur, hobbyist, or volunteer that is substantial, rewarding and results in a sense of accomplishment, and finally project-based leisure which is a short-term often a one-off project that is rewarding.

Well, well, looks like I do have hobbies after all! Even my mindless TV counts! And to think that I felt guilty for not being “serious enough” about my cooking, baking, reading, exercising and mindless TV! According to Wikipedia, even my blog counts! I might no longer be doing it every day, but I am still being creative on a regular basis!

I might fall under “casual leisure”, but I am indeed a hobbyist!

Until next time.

Love, light and positive change

Ophelia