Sometimes life can get overwhelming, can’t it? Whether it is Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter, I have My Ten Peaceful Hobbies that keep my heart and soul filled and calm.

I am excited to share them with you. And I am also looking forward to hearing about what keeps you peaceful, too. As you are reading, keep in mind the things or activities that give you comfort, too.

Let’s start with something that nourishes my mind and body.

When I am stressed or feeling a little out of control, Baking is a great therapy for me. I love baking cookies, cakes, cobblers and pies. For some reason, when I can combine simple ingredients and make a treat, I feel good, along with taking my mind off of life’s stresses.

It also helps me to serve others. Get out of myself and think of others. For me, serving a table full of comfort food,  making my neighbors a pie or a batch of cookies reminds me that it isn’t all about ME. I need that reminder more often than I realize.

I have been a good reader from the time I was small and learning to read. Reading the scriptures helps me everyday. Even if it is just one scripture a day. I feel peaceful. My mind and spirit rely on that scripture for calmness and learning daily. Through reading, I gain knowledge, intelligence and learn how to deal with life’s challenges.

When I had to stop driving two years ago, I decided that I would read or watch something daily that would teach me a new skill or talent. Recently I have been reading and researching: homesteading, gardening, bees, macrame, and cooking. I am amazed at the wide range of knowledge I am gaining though this daily practice. It gives me peace even if I do have to be home bound most days.

 

Oh, my goodness! Crafts are a great outlet for me. If I am browsing through Pinterest, Instagram or magazines to explore crafts, my heart and creative juices begin to explode!

From paper crafts, to sea shell vignettes, to tablescapes, to creating a new door mat, I am at peace using my creativity. When I am creative, my heart is happy to see what my brain and hands can do when they work together.

Believe it or not, Visiting Thrift Stores helps me to relieve stress. Being on the “hunt” for THE “find”, gives me such a thrill. Not in a jumping up and down thrill, but in knowing that I can give THIS piece a NEW life. And for a fraction of the cost. (That’s my favorite.)

Walking through a thrift store is calming to me. It is a peaceful hobby that I enjoy.

Never, ever in a million years would I say that I have a “green thumb”. I am complete opposite. I have killed more plants than I would ever want to count. BUT, Plants bring me peace. They help my soul as I watch them grow. As I am reading more about container gardening, my enthusiasm does, too.

My new apartment porch is such a joy to visit. I love seeing the progress and development of each plant or flower. I look at the porch from my French door or bedroom window several times a day.  Just to enjoy their beauty. Each one is a daily gift for my heart.

Organizing is another one of My Ten Peaceful Hobbies. From keeping the laundry closet in check, to organizing my make up drawers, folding the kitchen hand towels, to the refrigerator food-Organization gives me peace.

It may not sound like a hobby. But by organizing, it saves space in my mind for creativity, peace and a free flowing thought process.

When I was going through a rough time with my Epilepsy disorder, Water Color painting became an outlet for me. I started by watching YouTube videos to learn techniques and ideas. Being able to create something I had never done before is a great way to channel a relaxed atmosphere in my mind and heart.

Sitting in the breakfast nook with fresh sunlight, painting cards for my grand-kids is relaxing. Blending the colors and watching them run is mesmerizing.  Believe me, I am not even that good at it. But being able to learn a new talent gave me comfort while struggling through Epilepsy.

If I could be anywhere (besides with my family), it would be near the Beach or a Pool. This has been one of my hobbies for as long as I can remember. As a tiny girl, my mom took me to swimming lessons. I may not have been the best swimmer in my class, but the water gave a soothing effect to my brain and soul. I was hooked.

As a teenager, most of my weekends were spent at the beach. The warmth of the sand, the smell of the salt air and the sound of the waves is my body’s calming place.

Since I live in Las Vegas, I am nowhere near a beach. BUT, I do have a pool. I am out there from between 4-6 days a week. I exercise, meditate, read, pray, and love the feel of the cool water on me. It gives me a relaxing feeling like nothing else can. Occasionally, I even meet a new friend. Which is another joy that is beneficial to me.

Writing down simple goals and events in my Journal helps me to feel accomplished and organized. It keeps me on task and helps me see my progress. Whether it’s physical, mental, relationships or emotional, I write down my goals.

Being able to visually see what my goals are helps me stay focused on what is most important. I also like to write quotes from inspiring people, too. If I hear speaker at church or read something that resonates with me, I write it in my journal. Then I can reference back to it in times of need or as I am looking for peace in quiet times.

My Ten Peaceful Hobbies include Cleaning. It’s part of staying organized and creative. I go through my apartment on a weekly basis to straighten up, dust, wipe down or vacuum each room. To say I am perfect at would be false. Because, sometimes my body just doesn’t allow me to. BUT, for the most part, I clean weekly.

I always say, “I have THREE things to do everyday-the dishes, make the bed and the laundry.” Completing each of these makes my heart happy. I feel accomplished, if I did nothing else throughout the day.

It might be that you don’t categorize cleaning or organizing into your hobby portion of life. But, I do, as a way to clear my mind. To keep my brain clear to concentrate on happy, good and positive thoughts.

So, tell me, if you were to think of your Ten Peaceful Hobbies, what would they be? Each one of us is different. We have various life experiences, so not everyone will have the same hobbies, thoughts or ideas.

If you haven’t identified your own Ten Peaceful Hobbies, I hope you can soon. They can be as small or large as you want or need.

I am no expert, but I DO know that by having hobbies that benefit your mind, heart and soul, you will be a better person. Not only for yourself, but for those around you, as well. That I promise you.

Thanks for spending part of your day with me. Make it a beautiful day.