Hobbies That Changed My Life

Entering my 60s, I’ve come to appreciate the simple things in life. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few hobbies that have not just filled my time but have genuinely enriched my life – from painting to leisurely walks in the park, these activities have brought me peace, joy, and a deeper understanding of the world around me. Let me share with you a few of these hobbies that have become more than just pastimes, in hopes that you too can find something new and exciting to do.

Walking in the Park is Nature’s Therapy

There really is something special about taking a walk in the park, no matter the time of day. It’s physical exercise and an opportunity to reconnect with nature. The fresh air, the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze, the occasional bird song. All of this creates a calming symphony, as I stop for a minute and take it all in. It’s during these moments that I find myself truly present in the moment.

As I stroll through the park, I find that it’s not just about the destination, but the journey. With each step, I notice little details, like a dewdrop on a leaf, the intricate patterns of bark on a tree, or a squirrel playfully darting around. These observations make me realize how much life thrives around us, unnoticed in our daily rush. The park is a place where I can pause and reflect, offering a therapeutic source of inspiration and clarity.

Painting the World Around Me

Discovering painting later in life was a revelation for me. I was in my 30s when it opened a door to a world where I could express my thoughts and feelings, in a way that words never could. While I frequently paint more abstract things, like how I felt in a dream I had the night before, my favorite thing to paint is the world around me. I like to set up a canvas near any window in my house, and simply paint what I see outside. Painting has allowed me to appreciate the nuanced beauty of the world around us, such as the way light plays on surfaces or the complex textures of an everyday object.

As much as I love painting, I began to notice a physical challenge as I grew older. It’s only natural, but my eyebrows had become droopy, making it increasingly difficult to continually look up at my subject and then back down at my canvas. It was a small but significant hindrance that began to affect my enjoyment of painting. So, I decided to undergo brow lift surgery. It was a choice made not for vanity but for passion. Following the surgery, it was remarkable how such a subtle change can have a profound impact. My field of vision improved, and with it, my ability to paint more comfortably. It was as if a physical barrier had been lifted, allowing me to return to my canvas with renewed enthusiasm and a clearer perspective.

Pot of Gold Under the Reading Rainbow

In recent times, the hobby of reading is something that seems to have lost its charm for the newer generations, who tend to spend more time on their phone than anything else. Reading is a pastime that I firmly believe more people should rediscover and embrace. It gives way to an adventure, a journey of the mind that takes you to places far and wide, to times known and unknown, where anything and everything is possible. Every book is a portal to a different universe, waiting to be explored by the reader. Whether it’s classic literature or the insightful accounts of modern biographies, reading opens up a world of knowledge, imagination, and perspectives that are invaluable in today’s world.

As I’ve grown older, my love for reading has only deepened. There’s a unique joy in immersing oneself in a good book, letting the outside world fade away as you delve into the stories and lives contained within the pages. Each reading experience is a learning opportunity, a chance to see the world through different eyes and gain insights that only literature can provide. Reading has the power to stimulate the mind, provoke thought, and evoke a wide range of emotions. It’s a timeless hobby that enriches the soul, keeps the mind sharp, and offers endless opportunities for personal growth and reflection, no matter one’s age