What are your hobbies?

Isn’t it interesting to look back and see how our hobbies can change over the years? I can remember a variety of hobbies, and some make me laugh just thinking about them. Here’s a quick walk down memory lane – maybe some of you will join me. There were the days of collecting things: key chains (I had hundreds), Precious Moments, teddy bears (I’m not referring to a childhood collection here – a grown woman with a house full of teddy bears), and stickers (scratch & sniff were my personal favourite). The collecting phase moved into the craft phase: macramé (does anyone still do this?), rug hooking, crocheting, hand-painted clothing (which turned into a business venture) and the still popular scrap booking to name a few.

As I take the time to reflect back, I am entertained by the positive associations I have with each of them. They bring back some really fond memories of various seasons in my life…I’m actually sitting here smiling. And I’m realizing the important role that hobbies can play in our lives: they can serve as a creative outlet; they are often social activities (or can be); they are a way to relax and let go of the everyday stresses of life. But aren’t they often one of the first things to get “bumped” when life gets busy? Not any more. I am committing to setting aside more time for hobbies – for crafts, for creativity, for time with friends and family.

What about you? What are your hobbies? What role do they play in your life?

I’d love to hear from you!
Wendy

What are 2 of your best personality qualities?

I find it interesting in my coaching practice that if I ask a client to list their flaws or things they don’t like about themselves, they can rhyme off a list without delay. However, when I ask them to list their strengths or what they DO like about themselves, there is often hesitation (or a very short list!). I am saddened by the fact that we often associate identifying our strengths with conceit or bragging. And so I’d like to point out that knowing you are a good cook is no different than knowing you have brown eyes – it’s just a fact. What makes it bragging is when we “compare” with others and consider ourselves better than someone else. (OK…I’ll get down off my soapbox now :) )

Back to the question at hand…what are two of my best personal qualities?
What pops up for me right now is determination and creativity. From a young age I learned that if I really wanted something (not in a material sense) and I stuck with it and tried different approaches, I could figure out a way to make it happen. I still think like that today. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way!” Likely, this is where my creativity comes into play. Solutions to challenges are rarely “in the box” but instead often require looking at things in new and different ways.

My challenge today? Getting as many of you as possible to share YOUR best qualities right here on this blog.



My solution? Hmmmm…any ideas?

So much to do; so little time

So much to do—so little time...messages to prepare, CDs to produce, articles and study guides to write.

I had no other choice. I donned my helmet, kicked back the stand, jumped on my bicycle and rode out to the dam.
On the way, the smell of wild phlox and cedars filled my nostrils. To be honest, another country stench competed with the freshness of the flowers, threatening to spoil the beauty surrounding the trail. It did not succeed.


After twenty-five minutes of peddling, I arrived at the waters' edge of Belwood Lake. Quickly I forgot the long 'list' back home and drank in the tranquility.


Beside the still waters, I saw a Canada goose lazily floating upstream. I liked his approach to the day.
"In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength" (Isaiah 30:15) came to mind, encouraging me in my 'slow down.'


I needed the change of scenery and routine and came back with a new outlook on the long 'to do' list.

Yours will be different from mine but we all have 'to do' lists. Where could you go to renew your vision and refresh your spirit? It may be just another room in your home.


What could you do to enhance your environment? Simply putting a bouquet of flowers where you spend a lot of time might spur you on to creativity.



I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Ruth