There was a span of years in my life when I had no hobbies.
You might be thinking, How is that possible? Everyone has hobbies.
No, it’s not true. I really had no hobbies.
I had friends. I had family. I had expectations. I had activities.
But I didn’t have any hobbies – nothing that made me brim with passion and excitement.
I was living for everyone else, using up some of the best parts of myself to please others. And, in a way, that period of my life felt like chaos.
Before you read any further, I’d like to encourage you to evaluate how your life feels right now. Do you feel peace? Or are you drowning under the weight of chaos?
Because I was most definitely not living a peaceful life when I was living only for approval from others. I was missing out on some sweet moments of peace – peace that comes from living wholeheartedly from your core. No people-pleasing. No expectations. Simply living the life God created me to live.
You see, for a while I didn’t understand this. I thought that people-pleasing was how God created me to be. I took “love your neighbor as yourself” to a whole new level. It became about earning approval and seeking status through how I helped someone else, how I loved someone well, how I said yes to everyone’s needs.
I was filling up the tank of everyone around me without filling up any of my own tank.
And so, it began to feel like chaos. Not the chaos of being unable to get anything accomplished or the chaos of losing my mind. But it did become the simple chaos of feeling incomplete – like something was missing.
I married a little over a year ago and quickly realized that my husband is a man of many hobbies. He fixes cars, he plays guitar, he plays the drums, he builds things from scratch, he is a photographer, and so much more. For the first several months of our marriage, I watched my man find so much joy in the little things – these hobbies – and I felt left out.
And that’s when I realized I had never pursued hobbies for myself. My activities and my commitments were not hobbies; they were attempts at creating a name for myself and doing good so others would like me.
Ouch.
That’s not easy to write.
My focus had to shift from living only for others to living a balanced life of service and personal fueling.
I began blogging and this journey has turned into the wildest passion.
I started learning more about cooking, experimenting with new recipes and making up my own recipes.
I now enjoy yoga for its many benefits.
I’ve recently started knitting and my first big project is almost done.
I have hobbies now and it.is.so.fun.
God has grown me and changed me throughout this process. He’s taught me that chaos doesn’t have be normal, and that taking time for myself is so beneficial.
Friend, I ask you: What are your hobbies? How do you take time for yourself?
Because if you’re running on empty, chances are you’re going to cave in. Take the time now to explore and develop into the person God made you to be.
Now, before I leave you, I feel I must clarify that I am in no way suggesting that we only live for ourselves and our passions. Goodness no.
We are given the command to “love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, and mind & love your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27)
Please be a servant of the Lord. Please love people well. Please sacrifice your time and desires for the glory of the Father.
This is a way to fuel yourself for sure – by loving God and loving others.
However, there is a time and a place to seek peace through enjoying the fun hobbies God has given us. It is a way to experience His presence in unique and personal ways.
When I cook, I feel a part of myself come alive with joy at this gift God has given me. And when I blog & interact with friends I hope to someday meet in person, I realize how much God has used this blogging process to grow and change me for His purposes.
Consider your hobbies and how God has used them in your life. They serve a purpose. They are sweet. They bring peace.
And they refuel your tank so you are able to better love those around you.
Latest posts by Alison Tiemeyer (see all)
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What a great question to consider, Alison! I love this!
It sounds like you’ve explored and found many passions that you enjoy! And, we all need some fun and some down time, don’t we!
I love anything outside – walking, biking, hiking, playing golf!
I’m also a reader and a jigsaw puzzle worker.
Thanks for another great post.
Sharing this today~
Melanie
Allison you just described me! It is so easy to get caught up in doing for others that it becomes a trap. I think you understand what I mean. Thank you for the grace and the encouragement to pick up a hobby that brings satisfaction for us. I think we will be better people for others, for ourselves, and for God!
I love this post! I can absolutely relate. It’s amazing how much more we have to give to others when we include a few simple things in our lives that bring us joy! When I finally started finding hobbies, I actually started to grow more spiritually. By the way, yoga, sewing, and cooking are some of my favorites too! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
I can relate to the not taking time out for yourself feelings. After having babies, all of my hobbies and date nights took a back seat to the constant needs of the children. Now that they are older and becoming little helpers around the house I find that making time for my hobbies isn’t just necessary but a lot easier now. They keep us sane and fulfilled so that we can pour out to others!