This blog is all about my journey into self care. The journey and care is different for everyone in my opinion. My journey has been slow, with many ups and downs. And when I was down, I was down. When I was down, I wanted to quit my job, hide in my apartment, and shun everyone and everything. When I was down, I had horrible thoughts about myself, felt restless, helpless, useless, and just awful about myself. I was in the woods. Alone, scared, totally unaware of how to get myself out of the woods. I felt trapped, I felt isolated, and I had no tools to help myself.

It seemed only logical, being as lost as I was emotionally, to try and distract myself. So I threw myself into my hobbies. Hobbies are a great way to practice self care. The first hobby I threw myself into was reading. I had loved books and reading ever since I had first learned to read. And this was my first unknowing step onto the road of self care. It truly amazed me how much reading a good book helped me unwind from the stresses of the day, and helped me relax. You see, without knowing it, I was practicing mindfulness. Instead of allowing my mind to dwell on all the troubles of the day, or all the troubles of my life, I was focused on something else. That focus gave me a sense of peace. It didn’t mean I wasn’t trying to deal with those stressors, but it did allow me not to let them take over. And that I think is key in self care. And it’s also far harder not to let the anxiety, worries and stressors take over than you might think. So don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, or invalidate your feelings by telling you differently.

My Hobbies

We’ve all been in the woods. And though we might find out our way for a time, there’s no guarantee that we not end up back in the woods. Sometimes you end up on paths that look that they lead out of the woods when really they are leading you deeper into the woods. I’ve been on those paths. Each was dark, and frightening. Each caused exhaustion, heartache and so much doubt. Each has allowed me to learn more about myself, and each has done so by allowing me to explore creative hobbies. These hobbies include

Hobbies really do have a place in your life, especially if you are looking for looking to live a more balanced life. Lives are so busy, so whirlwind and so much is expected of us. Utter perfection is demanded by society, much judgement is passed by those around you, and there is a belief out there that there is no time for anything that is not work or care giving. There is time. There is time for you to find one thing you love that is quiet and even private, and simply engage in that. Whether it’s reading a book or taking a bath, or even displaying something you love in a special part of your home, there is time. I truly believe we are all creative souls, and once we set our feet upon a path that ignites our imaginations, that stokes excitement, or caresses a place inside you arousing a sense of peace, you are beginning to find your way out of those woods.

Do you have hobbies? What are they? How do you feel when you’re engaged into those activities? Share your thoughts about hobbies and being in the woods in the comments section below everyone. I’ll be back with more soon! 🙂