Healthy Mom Life

Tag: Hobbies

  • Hey Mom, get a hobby!

    Hey Mom, get a hobby!

    Why should kids have all the fun?

    A few months ago, I had an epiphany that changed my whole perspective. I’m enrolling my 3-year-old into all these fun sports and activities and he’s having the best time having something to look forward to during the week. Why am I not doing the same for myself?

    It was getting to the point where every day started to feel like a carbon copy of the one before: a mad dash to work, actual work, dinner, clean-up, the never-ending bedtime routine, then collapse into bed and repeat. One morning, I realized I really hadn’t done anything for myself in weeks. On a whim, I decided to sign up for a reformer Pilates class. My first in-person fitness class in over 2 years. And guess what? I LOVED it.

    I didn’t just love it because of the glute burn, I loved it because it was “me time”. It was something I had in my calendar that was just for me, no small children in attendance, no chores or to-do list involved. I walked to the class, listened to a podcast on the way, did the class, and came back refreshed, a little sore, and so ready to jump back into being a mom.

    I had been spending so much time focused on my kids and what activities they should be doing next, that I forgot I’m here too. I’ve enrolled my boy in soccer, gymnastics, skating, swimming, but had put my interests on the backburner.

    Once I realized that I could enroll myself in fun classes or try new things, I started brainstorming easy ways to do that, because afterschool/afterwork hobbies aren’t just for kids. There really are so many activities you can do to cultivate your “mom me-time” and get your spark back.

    The social recharge: wine and paint nights, book clubs, walking groups

    The something new energy: pottery, paddle boarding, dance class, horse-back riding, singing lessons

    The solo reset: gardening, yoga, volunteering, painting

    The fresh air favourites: hiking, running, golf

    The energy boosters: sports clubs, fitness classes

    You don’t have to master any one thing. I’ve realized that just showing up counts. Sometimes the hobby isn’t the activity itself, it’s the permission to leave the house for yourself.

    Throw away the mom-guilt and ignore the little voice that says, “this is a waste” or “what if I don’t like it?” Any of these activities can remind you that you’re a person outside of your family, and help you come back refreshed, ready to tackle the dishes, the tantrums, or the laundry pile(s).

    Let me know if you give any of these things a try! I’m starting an indoor golf league next Monday, and I could not be more excited to have something to look forward to, something to get better at, and something where I can meet other people!

  • Golf Update #2

    Golf Update #2

    Golf is hard.

    As the end of the golf season approaches, I thought I’d do another golf update. First off, I know I’ve improved so much. Not just in my game, but my confidence. I’m no longer as nervous to play with other people, and I just have the attitude of going out there and having fun! I’ve learned a lot, and it’s been fun having a completely new hobby for me.

    What I’ve done since my last update:

    I’ve finished up my fall golf ladies league with Iron Ladies golf, and I had such a positive experience. Not only did I get to know some great women, but I also got out of the house and was able to enjoy the last remaining beautifully warm days of September. We had a games night, and I won the closest to the pin on a par 3. To me, that’s absolutely unreal and I never would have guessed I could do that if you had asked me at the start of my playing (just over 3 months ago).

    I did have such a great experience that I will be joining their fall indoor league. Mostly, to keep up what I’ve learned and to have something to look forward to as the days get colder and darker.

    I’ve also continued to golf a bit here and there with my husband when we have the childcare available. We just golfed the Homestead at Wolf Ridge Golf Course in Killaloe when we were visiting my parents for Thanksgiving and the colours of the leaves were breath taking.

    Not my best photo – I was just too dialed in to take anything. Also, my fingers were cold. But Wolf Ridge is one of my favourite courses!

    What I’m working on:

    My driver is my biggest work-in-progress. I’m slicing right almost every time. I’ve recently adjusted my grip (i.e. my husband suggested the grip change last week), and if that’s the magic key I’ll be a happy girl.

    I’m feeling good with my pitching and sand wedge. But me and my irons are not friends.

    So overall, I’ve got a bunch of things to work on over the indoor league and I’m feeling stoked for that opportunity.

    What I’ve learned over the last few months:

    I did want to put together a list of things I wish I had the opportunity to tell myself when I first started playing. Hopefully, they might help someone else who is starting out!

    1. Golf is hard. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you can be as good as some people who have played for years. But the learning and the growing are the fun parts. You’ll make an amazing putt, drive or chip and that will keep you coming back.
    2. There is no one way to swing a golf club. There are obviously better ways, but often you have to be the one to find them for yourself. What works for the pro at the course might not work for you.
    3. Use each hole as a blank slate. The terrible putting you did on the last hole doesn’t have to follow you the whole game.
    4. Cute clothes make the biggest difference. If you feel cute, you’ll play better. It’s science.
    5. Practice. No explanation needed.

    I hope you all had a great golf season! See you on my next golf update!