Random Thoughts – Can DIY Be A Hobby?
I was visiting with my sister-in-law and her husband. Her husband was talking about all the things he was going to do once he retired later this year. I told him, I will just continue working, since I to not have any hobbies. I mentioned seeing my grand kids compete in their respective sports, but I was told by him that did not constitute a hobby. Okay…
The things he was going to do: fishing, golf, travel and “bucket list” items, did not interest me. I do not like sitting in a boat waiting for a fish to bite. I tried golf. I am left-handed and I golf right-handed. That quandary makes for a terrible golfer. I am not a sightseer. I always just tell people send me photos. I will travel as long as I can chill and do what I want to do. Do not mention gardening or anything related to landscaping. So, can DIY be a hobby?
The Merriam-Webster dictionary describes a hobby as, “a pursuit outside one’s regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation.” DIYers know DIY is not relaxation. Then again hacking away at a golf ball is not relaxation either.
I am not talking about carving trinkets or building clocks. I am talking about building furniture or remodeling a home. Can I achieve relaxation and Zen doing DIY? My Zen is realized mostly when a DIY project is finished. But can I attain that Zen state of mind throughout the DIY project?
I believe the best way is having a space, (good) tools and no timetable. Presently, I do not have that space that is setup with the right tools and equipment. That is tools and equipment that do what they should do. The other key, however, is working when I please with no schedule.
A DIY remodeling project might require a timetable. However, I need to change my hang-up about having unfinished DIY projects around the house. Those unfinished projects might be conversation starters. A curious visitor might say, “Oh Dominic, tell me about this project you are working on now?” I could spend hours pointing out all the mistakes only I can see. Also, I need to realize that I need to limit the size of a DIY project. Maybe laying wood flooring is too big of a project, but creating a built-in is not.
Nevertheless, I think DIY can certainly be a hobby. So, I will disregard those common place hobbies that retirees should do. I will DIY.