As parents, we all know that having time for ourselves is precious and scarce. Friends and family members (and strangers on the internet) often suggest we, as moms, prioritize self-care and carve out time for a hobby or pursuing something that we love. We all know that this is easier said than done.
Several years ago, for Mother’s day, my daughter Taylor was prompted by her teacher to complete the sentence: For fun, my mom likes to ___________. My daughter’s answer? “For fun, my mom likes to: get dressed all by herself.” And while she was absolutely correct, I sure do like to get dressed (or do anything really) alone, it hit me hard. Do I not do anything for fun? Do I not have any hobbies? What do other moms do for fun?
I found myself truly struggling to answer that question! Before having kids, I loved scouring the internet or beautiful cookbooks for recipes and spending hours baking or preparing a nice meal. I used to love exploring and wandering around different geographical areas of whatever city I was living in. I used to love planning spur-of-the-moment weekend getaways with my husband. I loved swimming. I loved eating at fancy restaurants and lingering at the table for hours with good friends and a cocktail. I loved going to the movies and to concerts.
Since having children though? My idea of a hobby involved my head making rapid contact with a pillow. But, alas, time has crept by, my children are in school (and preschool) and I’m slowly finding I have a few hours each week for a hobby. And therein lies the problem!
I haven’t had regular time to enjoy a hobby since probably 2013. I don’t even know what I’m interested in anymore! I cook so many meals for other people that cooking sounds like a chore. Anything that necessitates getting a babysitter is out because we all know that getting a sitter is super expensive and plus, COVID-19 totally discourages an outside person coming to spend time inside your house with your children. Last year, I tried tennis. Let’s just say, I learned very quickly that tennis wasn’t going to be my hobby.
But, as the saying goes, “If at first, you don’t succeed, try, try again!”. And try I have! What has stuck? Golf! It’s quite expensive and time-consuming, but the juice is worth the squeeze.
When I have free time, you can find me taking a golf lesson or going to the driving range with a friend. I love spending the time outdoors and it’s so enjoyable learning a new sport that up until a few months ago, I literally knew not a single thing about. It’s the first time I’ve found an activity (other than napping) that I’d actively choose to spend my (very sparse) leisure time. Get out there and try something new, moms. You deserve a hobby!
