| Hmmm. Should a hobby be productive? The dictionary | | | | useful items. Ask what their clients need...maybe it's |
| tells me it's an activity engaged in primarily for pleasure, | | | | something you love to make or grow! Community |
| or a pastime. If we go with that definition, sudoku and | | | | service groups are also always looking for ways to |
| solitaire count. But I'm of the mind that time is a gift. | | | | fund their work. You could donate a particularly |
| Every day is precious, and when I have leisure time for | | | | successful item you've made to a silent auction or |
| a hobby, I do want it to be meaningful. How can I get | | | | raffle-type fund raiser. Any Lions Club, volunteer fire |
| there from here? | | | | department, school booster club, or youth group would |
| The reasons people participate in a hobby are as | | | | be grateful. |
| varied as the activities themselves. You might think | | | | Social, experiential hobbies such as community choirs |
| about your reasons. Do you just need to relax? Blow | | | | or instrumental groups, amateur theatre, and sports |
| off steam? Is it a way for you to socialize? Do you | | | | teams, can lead to wonderful friendships, aside from |
| have a need to compete, with yourself or others? A | | | | the joy of participating in the creation of a huge piece |
| desire to create beauty? Lots of good motivations | | | | of glorious sound or exciting entertainment. You're likely |
| here for non-job pursuits. Figure out why you love to | | | | to meet people you'd never otherwise cross paths |
| rock climb, do leather work, or be on stage. When you | | | | with. If you pay attention, you may very well find a shy |
| do, you may find some ways to make your hobby a | | | | person you can make feel more comfortable, or a |
| truly meaningful part of your life. | | | | beginner you can take under your wing, sharing your |
| If you love to work with your hands, consider the final | | | | experience and knowledge. Sometimes young people |
| destination of the wonderful items you create. If you | | | | gravitate to such groups, in hopes of finding |
| make knick knacks, someone will have to dust them, | | | | acceptance that they can't find elsewhere. You can |
| so try to make sure there's an appreciative someone | | | | help make sure that they're welcomed and nurtured. |
| out there before you crank out twenty-five decorative | | | | Consider also teaching your hobby to others. Start with |
| wall plaques. If you make useful items, you'll perhaps | | | | your own kids, maybe. Boys' and girls' clubs, scout |
| find more willing recipients. I don't like to dust at all, but I | | | | troops, church youth groups and 4-H clubs are always |
| do enjoy a quilt to snuggle up in, or a beautiful crock to | | | | in need of generous adults to share what they know |
| put my kitchen spoons in. | | | | with young people. It's grand fun being the expert, and |
| You can give away your creations far beyond family | | | | volunteers are usually shown much appreciation in |
| and friends. Women's shelters, schools, and various | | | | these groups. Think about it some, and your hobby can |
| charities would be thrilled to have you donate beautiful, | | | | truly enrich your life, and the lives of others. |