Setting boundaries and prioritizing personal interests is necessary for living a fulfilled life.
Engaging in small and weird projects can foster personal growth, connection, and a sense of purpose.
Deep dives
Importance of Carving Out Time for Personal Hobbies
Finding time for personal hobbies is important for individual fulfillment and long-term mental health. It can be challenging for individuals who have multiple roles, such as being a parent, partner, and professional. Allison, a listener, shared her struggle to find time for herself and explore new hobbies. She realized the need to prioritize her own interests and carve out dedicated time for them. Allison's experience highlights the importance of setting boundaries, having open conversations with partners, and redefining the completion point of hobbies. It's essential to pursue activities that align with one's values and provide curiosity, connection, and a sense of completion.
Embracing Small and Weird Projects
Eve Rodsky, an expert in rethinking labor division and time valuation, suggests embracing small and weird projects as a way to nurture personal passions and find fulfillment. Such projects allow individuals to surprise themselves, challenge societal expectations, and prioritize personal growth. Eve emphasizes the importance of defining completion in these projects, shifting the focus from perfection to personal achievement. Sharing these projects with the world can foster connection, inspire others, and create a sense of pride and purpose. By engaging in small and weird projects, individuals can break away from traditional narratives and explore their unique interests.
The Three C's: Curiosity, Connection, and Completion
To find new avenues for personal growth and satisfaction, it is important to consider the three C's: Curiosity, Connection, and Completion. These core elements contribute to long-term mental health and help individuals experience a sense of fulfillment. Curiosity encourages continual learning, exploration, and wonder. Connection fosters meaningful interactions and a sense of community. Completion provides a sense of achievement and satisfaction in pursuing personal goals. By prioritizing these three C's, individuals can identify activities that align with their values, bring joy, and support their overall well-being.
The Journey to Carving Out Time for Yourself
Carving out time for personal interests and hobbies is an ongoing journey that requires perseverance and self-compassion. Allison's story exemplifies the challenges faced when trying to prioritize oneself amidst numerous responsibilities and life changes. This journey often involves setting boundaries, having open conversations with partners, and finding creative solutions. It is normal for progress to take time, and it is essential to recognize and celebrate even small milestones along the way. By persistently pursuing personal passions and embracing the mindset of self-growth, individuals can transform their lives and create a more fulfilling sense of balance.
Allison is on the hunt for her next hobby. One that’s satisfying. One that she can stick with. One that will fit into her family’s very busy schedule. Except…maybe she’s thinking about that last part all wrong. On this episode of How To!, Courtney Martin brings on Eve Rodsky, author of Fair Playand Find Your Unicorn Space. Eve argues that drawing—and defending—boundaries for individual, creative pursuits is necessary for living a fulfilled life. She’ll share how to balance domestic labor in order to carve out creative space and pick something that makes your soul sing.
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