My mother is an artist. If you were to interview her you would hear how she has spent years in her creative atmosphere listening to uplifting music and finding great joy! Her hobby has inspired our entire family! My mother understands the value of a fantastic, life-giving hobby.
My Niece, Erica, is a fantastic Jr. High teacher. However, over the years she established quite a following on Etsy making these incredible hand-sewn stuffed animals. They are amazing. Erica found a hobby that brings her joy, fills her cup, and gives her a good “brain-break”.
A hobby is defined in the dictionary as; “an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation “.
What’s your hobby? What do you do ~outside of work or ministry ~ that fills your cup? What’s your “go to” activity? It’s well-known that eating well, good rest, and exercise are important for us to remain healthy physically and mentally; yet we often forget that there is an enormous value in leisure time. Time spent pursuing a hobby!
Hobbies are actually food for the soul! They nurture our spirits, renew our minds, and help us catch our breath in the midst of our busy lives. Studies have even suggested that people who engage in hobbies regularly, especially creative hobbies, actually perform better at work!
If you are a person who thinks that a hobby is only a waste of time, think again! If you are sitting there thinking that you simply don’t have time for a hobby; then you probably really need one. 🙂
Whether you have a creative hobby, an athletic hobby, an outdoor hobby like fishing or gardening, or an academic hobby; you will find that giving yourself permission to take the time will help you to recharge, learn new insights, gain a more balanced perspective, and connect with interesting people with similar hobbies.
I challenge you to keep allowing yourself to engage in your favorite hobby, re-engage in a hobby you’ve laid down, consider a hobby if you’ve never had one, and see if you begin to experience a greater sense of well-being. I believe you will! 🙂
Dianna Salciccioli 
As I get ready to head out to the garden…I am grateful for my gardening hobby! I often refer to it as” inexpensive therapy,” that’s if you don’t count what I spend at nurseries! This is a great reminder why we call work, “work,” and need activities and interests outside our work that bring us joy. I would add that being a grandparent also adds JOY! Thanks sister for this great reminder.