I had to really think about this. Since I've lived in Asia the last 18 years or so, I'd have to now say the idea of 'hobby" is a very western one. So what's a hobby anyway? Some kind of leisure activity one pursues with some focus, to fill up one's leisure time, I think.
As an entrepreneur of a physical business AND as a solo mom, my leisure hours are few. Sometimes I read, but increasingly rarely - as i grow older, listening to other people's opinions of things floats my boat less and less. Unless it's a SUPERB book, I'd rather not. Happy to report we have an online global social media group called The Wellread Woman which makes sure that little time is spent on undeserving books.
I enjoy to cook and bake, but it's nearly always functional and definitely never in the "hobby" category. I make things for a few shut-in sick & older people around, but it often feels like a "should" instead of idle leisure activity.
Working out? Yup! I love to play sports and work out - am starting Cross Fit this coming week. Does it count as a hobby?/ Heck no. My fitness time is most definitely an essential activity for health & well being. Yes, it's fun, but then most of the things I choose to fill my days with are.
During lockdown I've been knitting hats for our tuberculosis refugee babies.
So far I've made 27 of them - I choose to knit in the evenings while I listen to an audiobook, a podcast or some great music. Is knitting a hobby of mine? Nah. It's a soothing mind-numbing activity I do in the evenings so I sleep better. 🤣
Reading back over my response here, I'm feeling my resistance to the work "hobby". I equate it with bored housewives, retirees lacking in purpose or people living/working the 9-5 existence seeking to find some solace in their time off. Me? I choose a life that doesn't require a lot of downtime or 'leisure" per se... even Hive and my blockchain time has focus and purpose.
Intrigued at this quesion this week, and pondering some more. Maybe I NEED a hobby?? I'm gonna be thinking about that in the days to come and might post about that in the next week.
Appreciating the prompt and off to support the other avid hobbyists here!
No hobbies huh? Well, I'm not a bored housewife or retiree lacking in purpose or a person living/working the 9-5 existence seeking to find some solace in their time off...But I have loads of hobbies, let's call them interests, and couldn't imagine my life without interests.
I have LOADS of interests - just never think about them as hobbies. I remember trying to explain to a Thai person once what a hobby is, and the idea left them quite perplexed. Life in Asia is far less delineated - one enjoys one's life mostly and the days are slower but much fuller. Leisure might involve a nap in a hammock under a coconut tree. 😆
But the idea of filling up the spare hours with interests and hobbies is definitely a much more western idea. Was just lending another perspective from over here, where life is full and rich but strangely devoid of hobbies.
!ENGAGE 15
It's interesting to see how other cultures do things. I also think it's an opportunity thing as well. I mean some people simply can't engage in the same things other do through lack of opportunity. Ice fishing for instance, it's not a thing here, but is very common as a hobby/interest in Nordic countries.
ENGAGEtokens.I am a retiree, but I do not lack purpose.
I realize this is a bit hard to read, but it's 20 years old. It's been pinned to my wall (wherever the wall is) for the whole time. Not like I would forget, but it's public affirmation of what I do.
I think we have a semantics problem. Particularly since retirement riding (and maintaining) motorcycles is what I do. Even before, it was a focus in my life. What can I say, I think you have things you focus on that are part of your life no matter what they are called.
Wow such a lovely knitting hats. I know, I'm girl and of course I love waering these pretty stuffs especially when the winnter is coming here.