PSA: Make Time for Hobbies
Last month I finally completed a scrapbook project that originally started in 2019. I’ve focused my attention on greeting cards in recent years, so, while I still had a creative outlet I missed scrapbooking. It’s a different vibe than greeting cards. I’m less meticulous about the process. I feel more free to push the boundaries. It’s not a big deal if something fails because there’s no pressure. It’s just for me.
When I worked at Michaels, we hosted open houses to promote the classes we offered. Each instructor set up in their section of the store and encouraged people to sign up. I lost count of the number of times I heard “I just don’t have the time.” This response made me sad. Almost every person I interacted with was ready to whip out an excuse for not having time for hobbies they genuinely enjoyed. I would offer an empathetic nod, but still insisted that it was worth doing one page or even a two-page spread one afternoon a month. There is no rule saying a scrapbook must be completed in a day. One of the great things about this hobby is that it is on-going. You can step away and come back to it whenever you’d like. You think artists have unlimited free time? No, they make the time. They find an hour or two after work. They choose to play instead of scroll on their phones. They prioritize their passions.
I won’t lie and say I’ve never thrown my passions in the backseat and forgotten they existed. It happens to all of us. But the feeling of pure joy and fulfillment I experience after an afternoon of crafting is undeniable. You won’t ever regret dedicating time to something you love.
Please consider this little blog article a public service announcement. If you have a stack of photos from your vacation seven years ago that are still in a box, it is officially time to give them a real home. Turn on some music or binge the newest TV show and get creative! Better yet, gather with your friends! Each person can bring their own project and just yap as you craft. Share materials and ideas. Make it a monthly date night. Even if scrapbooking is not for you (I won’t be offended), I still encourage you to follow your passions and make room for them in your life.
I wanted to shamelessly share my scrapbook with you here because I’m really proud of how it turned out after years of piecing it together. It is by far my favourite of all my scrapbooks. This project is focused on the art of living slowly, of feminine beauty, of poetry and visual art. The pages contain quotes and images that inspire me. The intention was to make something I could return to whenever and feel inspired all over again.
