How is it already time to link up again with the Share Our Lives bloggers? It doesn't seem that long since I was sharing an average day in my life post last month! This month it's all about Creative Outlets / Free Time!
If you asked me to describe myself in one word, creative probably wouldn’t be my first choice. I’m not an artist, I don’t paint or knit and I can’t even remember the last time I attempted a craft project but when I really think about it I do have my own little ways of being creative it just looks a little different from the traditional arts and crafts scene.
The biggest and most obvious creative outlet for me is this blog. I have been blogging for over 12 years and I love this little space on the internet that I have. Writing has always been my way of expressing myself whether it’s chatting about everyday life, sharing family experiences, a meal plan or simply rambling about the things that bring me joy. There’s something so satisfying about turning a jumble of thoughts into a post that hopefully makes sense and maybe even makes someone smile.
I love the freedom that comes with blogging. There are no real rules about what I write and no deadlines unless I give myself one like having to have this blog post published today. Some days it’s a deep and thoughtful and other days could be a fun post about something random. Either way blogging gives me that creative space to put my thoughts out into the world.
Here’s where my creativity takes a digital twist. While I might not be sketching designs or rearranging furniture in my real home, I spend a ridiculous amount of time doing it in the game The Sims. I absolutely love building and decorating houses in the game. I could spend hours picking out the perfect wallpaper, placing clutter in just the right spot and making sure my little Sim families have a home that feels cosy and lived in. In real life I’m not the type to be constantly redecorating or DIY-ing my home but in The Sims, I get to play out all those design ideas without the hassle or the cost!. I find it so relaxing to just sit down, load up the game and create.
Gardening might not be the most traditional form of creativity, but I do think there’s an art to it. Deciding where to plant things, watching everything grow and making a space that feels beautiful. I have been spending more and more time out in the garden now that it's spring and the weather is starting to warm up. I have planted seeds and they are starting to grow. I am watering them and keeping an eye on them, hopefully my garden is going to be fantastic this year!
Cooking is another little creative outlet of mine. I wouldn’t call myself a gourmet chef but I love experimenting with flavours, trying new recipes and there’s something so satisfying about cooking a meal from scratch, especially when it turns out to be a hit with the family. Some days I stick to old favourites other days I get a little adventurous and try something way out of my comfort zone. Sometimes it’s great, sometimes not so much.
Some people unwind with a good book. I unwind by watching wrestlers throw each other around a ring. WWE is my guilty pleasure though I feel no guilt about it!. There’s just something about the over the top storylines, the crowd reactions and the athleticism that keeps me hooked. I love seeing the rivalries unfold and the big live events always feel like a proper treat. While some people see it as just staged fighting, I see it as a mix of theatre, sports and entertainment. Lots if it is fake, think of it like a soap opera but if someone hits you over the head with a metal chair or pushes you off a 20ft structure you can't say that isn't going to hurt, that part is not fake. hehehe
And that’s pretty much it. I used to feel like I needed more hobbies, to be learning new skills or being constantly busy but the older I get the more I realise that it’s perfectly fine to just enjoy the things that make me happy even if they aren’t the most productive hobbies. Sometimes writing a blog post, playing a game, having a quiet evening watching TV or pottering about in the garden is enough!
What are your creative outlets?
I am linking up with:
Dara from Not In Jersey.
Jen from Show me & Sweet tea.
Joanne from Slices of Life.
Sarah from Toronto Sam.
Enjoyed reading about your hobbies. I don't have many of the "traditional" crafty type hobbies that many have like knitting. And that is OK! When we find things we enjoy doing, that is the most important thing. I like gardening and blogging as well :).
ReplyDeleteBlogging for me too!
ReplyDeleteIt was fun to get to know you a little bit more! And I have to say, love the house warming gift and card you delivered to Jayne! PS sorry for being late getting back around to visit and comment. #MMBC Melynda @scratchmadefood!
ReplyDeleteI too spend a lot of my free time blogging, gardening during the spring and summer, and cooking meals every evening.
ReplyDeleteI also don't have traditional creative hobbies. I love that you love WWF! That made me smile :)
ReplyDeleteYour explanation about sims reminds me of a game I used to play where I decorated a clothing store, got to pick out the clothes to sell, put outfits together, etc. I loved it! I nearly went into either fashion design or interior design for college so the game kind of married those two passion in a very low-key and fun way. I wish I loved gardening and while I enjoy it in the spring by the heat of the summer I have pretty much given up on the plants and weeding and dealing with bugs. But I do so enjoy seeing other people's gardens. They are definitely creative expressions for those that seem to know what they are doing (I do not).
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading about your hobbies and free time activities. When you mentioned rearranging furniture, I immediately thought back to my childhood and how I'd rearrange my room all the time. haha! Thanks for linking up with us.
ReplyDeleteGardening is definitely an art! It takes creativity and skill to do it so you were right to add it to your list! I loved learning more about you in this post!
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