A Hobby for Life: Cenla Health - Alexandria, Pineville, Louisiana

A HOBBY FOR LIFE…
By Suzan Richey

It has been said that individuals with a hobby live longer than those without. Although I've not examined scientific background supporting that statement, I have seen it lived out. My “mother-in-love" (aka: my mother-in-law) was a wonderful example of one who always had a “hobby". She was gardening, sewing, re-decorating, knitting, putting together a jigsaw puzzle, collecting something, or even making jewelry.

At the end of her life, Alzheimer's robbed her of so much, but she still had a hobby. She knitted dish cloths, the one thing she was able to do. From time to time you might see the frustration of the disease on her face or notice her withdrawal. However, she always had a smile when she was able to give away one of her knitted cloths. Her hobby was an obvious source of joy in her life. Now that's she's gone, we treasure those special gifts which are also a reminder of her and her love of a hobby.

If you are one of “those" without a hobby, you might ask how having a hobby could make such a difference. I was an individual who lived nearly half a century without a hobby that “stuck". I now have one and I can speak with certainty! Having a hobby has a few overlooked benefits.

Sense of accomplishment… Life is a treadmill of activities where we seem to get on and off at the same place… day after day doing the same things… With a hobby, i.e., making jewelry (since that is the one I know), I can start and complete a project, and have the satisfaction of finishing something! Having people brag about what you do isn't such a bad thing, either.

Creative outlet… Married to an artist, I never cease to be amazed at his creativity. I began to see my own creative side emerge after I started making jewelry. A hobby has allowed me to express ideas that I didn't know were there.

Relaxation… A hobby is a good distraction from the demands of a career and the stresses of life. It involves doing something that you don't have to do. That alone makes it enjoyable. Relaxing!

A word of caution: If you are a “type A" personality who attacks everything with drive and focus, you might do the same with your hobby. I know about that since I recently opened a bead store where I can make jewelry all day long (if I want.) Some might consider this a job. I love what I do and people tell me that it shows.

It has been said that if you do what you love, you'll never work another day. I think that what I have here is a hobby for life… What about you?

Suzan Richey is owner of A Bead Boutique in Alexandria, Louisiana.

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