One of the most accurate phrases I've read lately is exactly this: Do more of what makes you happy.
It's great life advice
Because how many times do we spend our lives doing this and that, working, fulfilling responsibilities and paying bills, but in reality, the time we dedicate to ourselves is very, very limited?
"I plead guilty to the charge, Your Honor," is what I surely would say on the matter; because what I just stated has totally splashed me in the face. In fact, I spend my life working here and there (in one clinic and another); Added to that, I am also doing a postgraduate course, and I go to medical congresses a lot to continue instructing myself and to be a better professional every day.
And if it not were enough, I also worry about the obligations, what I have to pay, what I have to do, what I have to fix, etc, and that is simply exhausting and tiring, but all of these things (and many more) are things that I must do, because they are my responsibility, and my obligations. But I have to recognize that sometimes is exhausting being me, believe me.
And I say you all of this, because, as much as I think about it, I got very little moments that I can dedicate to myself and to the things that I really enjoy. Of course, I'm just talking in a general sense here, due I also spend time with my girlfriend, and that's something that I really enjoy. But what I'm meaning here is the fact that I really spend little time (or none time at all) practicing of my hobbies.
And that is something what I undoubtedly need to improve in my life, due having hobbies gives us mental health. Plus, I don't want to be a premature old man. :)
One of my favorite hobbies: Traveling for pleasure
For example, one of the hobbies what I really spend little time on is traveling; and I don't mean traveling for the sake of traveling, because in fact, I frequently travel around the world to attend medical conferences. When I say traveling I mean traveling for pleasure, knowing interesting places, making tourism. I can't really tell you, on little words, how much I like getting to know other cultures, other countries, other people, but it's really something I rarely dedicate time to, because of my job, I often postpone my vacations.
Well, I know that all of the doctors who can read this will fully identify with all what I'm saying here, I mean, they will be able to understand what I'm talking about. Sometimes I think that the only opportunity to dedicate time all my hobbies will be the day of my retirement; and maybe by then, I will be very tired to do anything.
My personal life goal is very very simple
Dude I have many goals in my life, like getting married, having children, properties and money, but deeply inside, the things that really make me enjoy and feel happy are really very simple; I summarize it in four words that are tranquility, pleasure, enjoyment and relaxation (I usually call its the four cardinal points of life).
Oh what a surprise, I am a doctor who wants more peace of mind in its life. But if you think it for a minute, it's understandable given the fast pace of my life, in fact just thinking about relaxation and rest my mind enters an expanded state of relaxation and indescribable well-being; which is why I have decided to practice activities such as meditation or yoga to help me manage stress. Since I don't know anything about these topics, I'll put in contact to a yoga teacher who was recently recommended to me.
Anyway, I think that relaxation and peace starting with my own mind, so I should, of course, find more time to dedicate to all of my hobbies, but while I do so, meditation will surely help me lead a healthier and more relaxed lifestyle. And through all of this I will be doing more of what makes me happy. :)