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People have creativity lying dormant and untapped
because of work commitments and greater responsibility that
comes with family and career. Sometimes, looking at the finer
details takes your attention from the big picture. We curb that urge to paint, or to learn singing,
or write
that novel that is within us. But it doesn't have to be that
way.
 It is important to take things seriously – where your overall
health and personality development is concerned. You don’t let
society’s opinions deter you from taking the right steps
towards that promotion your eyeing or that spacious office at
the end of the corridor. Similarly, when trying to unwind,
being a little unmindful helps. For eg: you might be told that
learning sculpting at your age is not going to make you
millions. But, it might save you money.
If you are stressed to the point where your health suffers, then
you will start doing the rounds of specialists and doctors.
But if some wet clay and the potter’s wheel lets you work the
frustration out of your system, then you have just saved on
many doctors bills.
Go
and get a hobby for yourself. Decide on what suits your
interests and bring that childish joie de vivre that you used
to take with you to the playground. A lively curiosity will
make up for not knowing anything about the hobby you chose to
take up. Genuine interest and the willingness to learn will
keep your spirits from flagging – especially if you are learning
a skill like computers, which kids pick up with amazing ease
these days.
While choosing a hobby definitely keep in mind age and your
health. You might be too old to begin paragliding but just
right for starting a landscaping project. Remember that both John
Glenn and George Bush Sr did amazing things in their late
seventies. John Glenn became the oldest man to go to space –
he was 77. The former US president did some skydiving only
when he turned 70. If you enjoy their level of fitness and
good health, go for it.
Pick anything that fits your personality. If you are
exuberant and outgoing, join a dance class, do aerobics,
take an adult literacy class. Horse riding is another
thrilling activity to take up. You enjoy access to
superbly bred horses and a vast green space in the midst of a
crowded city. If you prefer to do things indoors, call over friends for a game of housie, cards,
Scrabble or Pictionary. Keep prizes for the winners. Even adults like to
win goodies!
If you are the nurturing type - then bake and cook for
kiddie parties in your spare time. It might not only be for
social occasions, you might want to make snacks for a charity
event. This will give you that feeling of having done your bit
for a good cause. Even thinking up new games for parties can
make it enjoyable for you. You may want to babysit hyperactive
cherubs. They can give you immense joy. If you like
growing things, then create your own Garden of Eden. Plant
vegetables, roses and fruit-bearing trees, if you can.
If cerebral stuff amazes you and you want to dazzle people,
you can learn to design crosswords. Make a story book
from scratch for your children. Engaging them in your hobby
will be a nice way of passing on a creative tradition. If
astrology entrances you, then learn how to predict the future.
Take a tour of the city you live in – even if you lived in it
all your life. A city always opens new doors to its
own history. You can document the heritage of your birth
place. Plotting your family tree, or putting the family
pictures in order can be another time consuming but
exhilarating experience. All that reminiscing will be valuable
time well spent. Write a book. The research you have to do
will keep you pleasantly exhausted.
There are plenty of things for the adventurous to do. You
can try everything from parasailing to white water rafting to
mountain climbing. Just make sure you are trim and fit enough to
do any of them. Take a doctor’s approval to be on the safe
side.
For those wanting to pick up new skills, you can learn to
make your own little coffee table at a carpentry course. Learn
to sculpt and you will have beautiful nymphs in your studio!
Knitting a sweater or a pair of booties is also a nice skill
to learn. Even Hollywood screen goddesses like Julia Roberts
and Cameron Diaz do it between shoots on the sets, so you are
in stellar company! Learn a foreign language or do some
scintillating photography.
Eventually, do anything that will take your mind of your cares
for a short period of time, everyday. This will ensure that
you have a better quality of life. Another bonus is that after
retirement, you won’t be at sea with all that extra time on
your hands. Having given yourself a head start, all you have
to do is capitalise on it. Making the most of the talents that
you have, will bring immense satisfaction. It will seem like a
life well lived.
BY MANALI ROHINESH
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