Thomas Kitchen. (Reproduced from Thomas’ blog)
Let’s welcome back our UK guest blogger, Thomas Kitchen.
Thomas is a creative writing student and he has a blog at: http://writerscabinet.wordpress.com
In this post, he blogs about how to enjoy life – and not letting your work consume you.
Read on, to find out what Thomas has to say.
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The only reason to live is to work.
If you agree with the above statement, you need a little push in the right direction. And fortunately for you, this blog post will certainly help you. And you don’t have to agree with the statement wholeheartedly; perhaps you agree with it a little. That’s fine. I’m just here to give everyone a little perspective.
Now don’t get me wrong: working can be fun and fulfilling. But it’s not the only thing you enjoy, is it? I hope not. We are on this earth for less than a century, my friends, and to “waste” it on work alone seems a bit ridiculous.
Think about it – give yourself a quick test. Whatever your job, do you leave at least some time in the week to enjoy your hobbies, chat with your friends and family, and so forth? If not, or if you already commit to your hobbies but want to commit a little more, then read on.
Take part in hobbies like running.
Make time for it
This is the first and most important thing: without time for your hobby, there will be no hobby. This week, or even next week, make an hour-slot for what you enjoy, even if you’ve already made time for that hobby, or perhaps even another hobby. Plan around it; don’t use it as a “spare” hour in case of work emergencies – but real emergencies are okay! When that hour comes, don’t put it off. Use it to relax, to enjoy, to unwind.
Set some goals for yourself
These definitely don’t have to be serious. For example, if you enjoy scrapbooking and started a new scrapbook, but haven’t quite finished the previous one, then tell yourself to finish by the end of the year, or month, or week. Giving yourself an achievable goal can really boost your confidence and happiness levels, especially when you’ve achieved it. It should help you keep to your hour-a-week schedule, too – or whatever schedule you do have already.
Enjoy it
This is also extremely important, so heed the words in this sentence: without fun, hobbies become a chore. That’s exactly what we’re trying to avoid.
Now of course, you may enjoy your career, but that’s not the point. As Confucius said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” True words. If you enjoy your hobby, you will automatically find time for it in some way. But definitely, definitely don’t make your hobby “another thing to do”, even if it’s on your to-do list!
Final words
The only reason to live is to work.
Hopefully this sentence means something different to you now. Of course work is good – after all, if we don’t work then we don’t live. But balance is the key, and I don’t mean that in a Buddhist sense. Make time for both work and home, for both hobbies and chores. You will find yourself less stressed, more fulfilled, and more approachable as a person. I leave you with another quote:
“A hobby a day keeps the doldrums away.” – Phyllis McGinley
Thomas has another blog post on Prischew.com, where he talks about marriage and being single. Check out this at:
How to Enjoy Marriage Even if You’re Single
To see more of Thomas’ blog posts, go to: http://writerscabinet.wordpress.com
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