Our theme for 2024 is BE INTENTIONAL. Our theme for September is hobbies. Whether you want to make time for your favorite hobby or learn a new skill, use these tips to make the most of this built-in September fresh start.
Schedule the fun stuff – Leave room for downtime, creativity, learning, conversations, rest, and hobbies. It’s important to leave time for movie night, date night, guitar lessons, and time to recharge in nature. A major key to successful change is for it to enhance your life, not wear you down. Avoid filling your life with so many responsibilities that there’s no room left in it for you.
I (Annette) take a watercolor class every month from September–May. I schedule the two-hour weekly block into my calendar. For me, the class is a time to shut off my brain, be creative and let someone else clean up!
Family Activity – Is there a hobby that the whole family can be a part of? Kayaking, karate, knitting… something that all or a part of your family would enjoy doing together. Wade and I made it a priority to have fun as a family when our boys were growing up.
Make it easy – Set yourself up for success. If it’s stressful trying to get out the door on time, pick out clothes the night before, pack the bags before bed, and prepare grab-and-go breakfasts. Whatever it is, how can you make it easier for yourself so you can have the time for yourself?
Delegate and outsource –If you think “I just don’t have time for a hobby”, remember you don’t have to do everything all the time. Whether you decide to have your groceries delivered, have the kids do the dishes, or use a pre-planned exercise routine, it’s okay to take some help where you need it. In the case of kids, it’s not just helpful, but it’s also great for them to have responsibilities and accomplishments.
Your Hobby Won’t pay the bills – Many of us have been conditioned to view results/work as the only thing that matters. Taking time for ourselves and worse yet a “frivolous” hobby may be hard to justify. We encourage you to start to build in the time, it most likely won’t pay the bills, but hopefully it provides the stress release you need!
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