Discovering Joy in Books and Crafts: How to Truly Value Your Hobbies

Today I finished reading a very interesting work by the writer Fyodor Dostoevsky "Crime and Punishment". It is a psychological thriller, on the theme of decision-making, and that a wrong understanding of our place in life can lead us to make bad decisions. A very dark and at the same time, profound work.

I read the print edition. I'm an old fashioned gal in general - I love the smell and warmth of a paper book. I tried electronic, but I didn't find it convenient. I like to read several books at the same time, which lie in different places in the house. I even bought several bookmarks in our shop for this purpose. Very convenient, and most importantly - beautiful.

The main thought that I came to after reading it is that the choice of path, namely how we spend each day, is much more important than the goals we achieve. Sounds strange.

For example: I like making jewellery and painting. It's a fascinating process that makes me happy. But, if I start to focus only on the fact that the exclusive result is important (and it sometimes doesn't live up to expectations), it sometimes takes away from my enjoyment. The desire to create disappears. You start spending time on something that in the end is " appreciated" by others, but not by my Heart and soul.

Hobbies are an important part of our self. Through it we can feel harmony with the world - it is our dialogue with ourselves. And the pleasure we acquire from the moment we buy the cherished parts for our new project, the gradual realisation of what we have planned, and the anticipation of the whole process - this is our life, this is the source of happiness. And it gives us meaning in our own eyes. And in any case, it is much more useful than just watching someone else's life in social networks or on TV.

I didn't realise this before, I often gave up something that didn't bring money or a "standing ovation" from "connoisseurs". Now, I can painstakingly create something, spending resources and time on it, and enjoy the process exclusively, no matter what the result is. This allows me to love what I do. I gain ease in this harmony with myself. And with the same ease I give the results of my creativity to my friends and family. And it's a wonderful feeling.

I wish you the same wonderful feeling. Read beautiful books, create beautiful jewellery for yourself, take pleasure from it and enjoy life. No one knows better than you what makes you happy - that is your goal to strive for.

With love
Nancy