“A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!”
Proverbs 15:23 NKJV
I recently had a short connection with an old friend where we exchanged very brief updates about ourselves.
In it, I mentioned that if I had the time, I would read my own books in addition to reading children’s stories, I would work on becoming a better writer, and maybe take up a hobby, but I didn’t know what.
Even though the connection was short, I have sparked alive since saying those things about myself.
I have read more of my books in the following month since than in the previous one.
I have challenged myself to write a post every day this month, when I’d been feeling a major creative slump, trusting that I could because I wanted to.
I have considered my own hobbies to have merit and not pressured myself to use every down minute to try to get on top of chores, school, or personal goals.
And the thing is, none of this came from the other person. It came because I stated what sort of things I would enjoy doing and actually make motions to add them to my life.
Stating what I would do with more time made me realize that I already have the time to do these things. I just usually give it something lesser like watching reels or avoiding chores.
It was also just fun to catch up for a moment!
I have little energy dedicated to pursuing fun that I had forgotten that I am allowed to have fun – it isn’t just for kids!
I asked my oldest daughter, “What would you do all day, if you could?” She answered, “Swim.” So I bought a pool pass and now we can all go swimming.
My middle daughter said she would play with friends. Since winter here has not produced snow yet, I made some play dates and she has gotten to run around and play with her friends so much!
My youngest little boy said he would “watch ‘Spidey and His Amazing Friends’.” To which I said “Nope!” And moved away from the subject. (I love you buddy, but tv makes you mean!)
Before I found out I was pregnant with my oldest, I was hiking multiple times per week and taking a dance cardio class twice on my weekends.
While my last dance class ended with ignoring God’s voice telling me I wasn’t supposed to be there and getting a sprained ankle, I do still enjoy dancing in my living room with my kids.
As for hiking, we have started going at least once per weekend as a family. This coming week, I get to bring my kids to play with their friends and leave their older sisters in charge while us moms go on a hike of our own! I’m actually really excited to get out in the woods with a friend!
I knit a doll sweater and completed 999/1000 pieces of a secondhand puzzle just to see what I enjoy doing. I will knit again, for sure. I will cautiously approach another puzzle because I severely neglected my house and slightly neglected my children and family for the sake of finishing a puzzle in 3 days.
And I’m writing more now than I have in years. I’m also getting more comfortable with my writing not being perfect before being worthy of hitting the “publish” button.
I’m not trying to brag about having time by myself: I have had many years where I only saw friends or went anywhere with children around and all over me, and I still do that most of the time. I am excited for this coming season of having time to figure out what I like and what fills my own cup. For my kids to grow their character by being taken care of without me there. For deepening friendships in uninterrupted spaces. And for finding hobbies that fill me up without depleting my household.
I cannot say that I would have examined what I enjoy doing with my time if I hadn’t said it to a long lost friend. I am so thankful for what has stemmed up this winter, and will continue to grow in coming months and years. I am thankful to have found my spark again and hope to keep it alive for a good long time!