I’m a huge perfectionist, and unfortunately, that travels over into my art (or the art I attempt to make). Basically, I struggle to do a lot of creative things because I have this idea in my head of how it should look (immaculate), but my hands don’t get the memo.

You’re standing among a group of people you don’t know while waiting for a friend. Instead of engaging in a conversation, you reach for your phone. You’re sitting in traffic, your mind wanders, and you pick up your phone.

I think most people fall into one of two categories in life: those who like to camp and those who don’t. It’s funny but true! Most individuals I’ve spoken with side strongly one way or the other. Either it’s, “Camping?! You mean out with the bugs and the raccoons and stuff?

Thinking it would be the perfect opportunity to connect more with the book, we bought our tickets and attended the show. We were blown away by the acting, the energy, and excitement of the story.

Eventually, I came up with a list of things that would make us smile and give us some exercise. Here are a few of the hobbies we decided to pursue either as a family or individually that check both the fun and good for you boxes!

When I was in elementary school, I bought a diary at the school’s book fair. I thought it was so neat with it’s pretty pink cover and a lock and key to keep all my secrets safe. I had grand ideas of all of the things I would “tell” my diary. 

Of course, the most obvious is books - you can find countless books dealing with just about every subject under the sun. Interested in cooking in a new way? Would you like to try out a new art form? How about planning a trip to somewhere you’ve never been? Yep, there is a book for that!

I was one of those kids who loved playing board or card games. I was also the same kid who hated to lose at Monopoly, but my drive to win eventually led me to learn how to strategize. Playing games is a great way to engage your brain and increase your enjoyment levels.

It was a gift of a whole day. One that I would not have to spend in school waiting for the hours to pass by, but instead, I could go back to sleep, read a favorite book, play a game, go sledding or play in the snow, or just get cozy on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate and a favorite movie to watch.

Here are a few ways you can take pretty normal, everyday activities and turn them into something more. Not only will you learn a lot in the process, but you’ll have a sense of accomplishment when you complete what you set out to do!

What comes to mind when you think of the words “date night?” Do you picture a young couple at a fancy restaurant, or maybe a married couple out on the town? Does date night always have to involve a romantic relationship?

At the end of a long, stressful day, the last thing you want to do is think about having to cook something. These days, it’s easier than ever to just pick up your phone and order your dinner through an app or pull a frozen dinner from the freezer.

Oliver Rundell, the Chorus Master of Opera North, put it well when he said, “Everybody has a voice and everybody can sing. It’s a brilliant way of just giving yourself some time. Simply tune out the rest of the world and enjoy the physical sensation of breathing in and creating a note with your body” (Opera North, 2021).

The ultimate physical activity. Yes, it is a great workout for aerobic and anaerobic activity. Nearly every muscle group is worked, and it improves power and coordination.

Reading. Getting lost in a story. The words on a page become a movie playing in your mind. Characters you create. Stories that bring tears to your eyes or a smile to your face.

What is it about bird watching? The simple hobby has probably existed as far back as humanity itself. Birds are fascinating. They’ve inspired artists, poets, scientists, musicians, inventors, explorers, and all of us normal people, too!

One young man was wheeled onto the stage in a wheelchair and assisted in a dance by others who moved him about the stage as part of the choreography. I left the event feeling light and refreshed. It reminded me that perfection is never a necessary ingredient when it comes to dance. Anyone can dance. They really can.

In the past, knowing how to play an instrument was a sign of belonging to a certain level of society and was one of the main forms of entertainment and leisure. Now, music is available to anyone who has the determination to learn it.

Several years ago, in my days as a teacher, a group of students bought me some Legos for my birthday. But these were not just any old Legos. This was Marvel’s Helicarrier from the Avengers movie--one of my favorites. I’m talking 3000 pieces of Lego bliss, more than 100 pages of instructions, and easily a few hundred dollars to purchase. I know what you’re thinking. My students are outstanding. And you would be right. 

Maybe she felt bad about the divorce and that’s what convinced her to let me go, I don’t know, but what I do know is that every minute of my time there was heaven. I literally whistled while mucking out the stalls.