Do What You Love, And Love What You Do

It’s 5:43 am, and I’m sitting on my turquoise rug on the floor in my bedroom, typing on my computer and praying the click, click, clicking from my keyboard won’t wake up the sleeping 14-month-old baby girl in my bed. I don’t know what’s up with her lately*, but last night she’d wake up screaming, then the second I’d pick her up she’d pass back out. It was a long night that ended with me desperately wanting some sleep, so I brought her back to our bed where she passed out the second her head hit the pillow. I, of course, did not sleep as soundly as the baby. Luckily, my husband brought me a cup of coffee before he left for work.

*I do know what’s up with her: she’s teething, I’m sure. I’m expecting like five teeth to pop through all at once. At least that’s the only thing that will make the last year of hardly any sleep make sense.

The morning is my happy time. I love working in silence, and gathering my thoughts before the world wakes up.

During my MOPS meeting last week we talked about hobbies and making time to actually do what you love. People always ask me how I do it all, and I don’t have a magic answer. I almost always say, “I don’t do it all,” and that’s the truth. While I’m sitting here on the floor, there is literally a gigantic pile of laundry that’s almost as tall as my daughter that needs to be put away, and a house that’s messy. But this is my time. This is the time I get to just sit and breathe; this is my hobby.

[Tweet “What’s your hobby right now? Not what you liked doing 10 years ago, but how do you relax now?”]

During the meeting, our leader asked us about our current hobbies. Not our hobbies 10 years ago (before kids for most of us), but what do we do for ourselves today. I thought that was profound, because I’m always thinking of what I used to like to do instead of what I actually do now. She also said that if nothing comes to mind, think about what we’d want our hobby to be when we’re 60 years old, and start doing that thing(s) now! 

Honestly, I think I’m doing my hobby now. I like waking up early and writing—that’s my happy and most relaxed time of the day. I’d love to read more, so I need to work on doing that—it’s really self-control; I need to leave the phone in the other room so I don’t have any distractions. I’d love to crochet, but I don’t think I’m in the right season for it yet; I’ve tried it here and there, and while I like it…I’m just not ready for it yet, and that’s okay! I also have my Pampered Chef stuff going on right now, and that’s helping me fulfill my need to be social.

It’s funny, during our meeting we talked about how our hobbies can be relaxing for us. A hobby is something you like to do, so while it may be work, it can also be relaxing. And the cool thing is that it’s different for everyone! One person’s hobby may be sitting and reading a book quietly, while another person can find relaxation in running for miles. I love having time devoted to writing while someone else may enjoy painting.

Side note: painting, it turns out, stresses me out BIG TIME. I went to a Truth Be Told party, and while I LOVE the outcome and the socialization that comes from painting with friends, I just worry and fret that I’m doing it all wrong. Painting is not relaxing for me, so I’m definitely not adding that to my list of hobbies as I get older!

[Tweet “Figure out what you love and do it—do what makes you happy. “]

Anyway, my point is: figure out what you love and what makes you happy, and do it. If you’re in a season where you don’t have a single ounce of time for yourself (been there, done that), then find a way to make some time. You know the saying, “When mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy?” It’s true! Your cup needs to be full if you want to even attempt to give to others. Otherwise, you’re just running on empty, and nobody wants to be around that!

[Tweet “In a season where you don’t have an ounce of time for yourself? Find a way to make some time—fill your cup!”]

Okay, your turn: What’s your hobby these days? Not sure? Make a list of all the things you want to do, and then figure out a way to make it happen!