Activities That Build Hope

Activities / Hobbies That Build Hope: What activities or hobbies do you participate in that help build hope for you?

I don't have very many hobbies anymore. It's difficult enough to deal with daily life and things that need to be done to maintain even the basic necessities. However, I do think that meaningful activities and hobbies are very important for everyone to have and cultivate. Such activities can provide distraction from pain, a sense of meaning and accomplishment, and self-discovery.

There are definitely times that I go too long without participating in activities and hobbies that I enjoy. This can be due to many reasons, including: physical limitations or inability, and lack of interest. But, I'm trying to get back into doing things that are enjoyable because it helps to create a more balanced life.

I find that the mere act of taking part in an activity or hobby gives me hope. Just a few of the activities / hobbies I enjoy are: cooking with (and, when I'm able, for) my husband, going on walks with my husband, reading, writing, traveling, scrapbooking.

Cooking allows me to escape the stress and pressure of other things going on. I can just focus on the task at hand. It's a way for us to make healthy options, create something good, try new things, and perhaps allows me to feel like I have some level of control over something.

Walking allows me to be in the moment and enjoy time with my husband and our dog. I often can't go on long walks, but even a walk around the block is enjoyable with those two.

Reading allows me to temporarily escape the reality of pain and to learn / expand my knowledge. I have difficulty reading much with my migraines. When I'm able to read even short things, though, it gives me hope that I'll be able to read (or adapt and listen) more in the future.

Writing allows me to express myself. I'm able to share my own experiences, and hopefully help others know that they're not alone. Being able to write gives me hope that I can make a difference in this world.

Traveling allows me to experience new places, people, things. My long-standing wanderlust has been fueled by a semester abroad. I just love to travel... and  then scrapbook the many, many photos I take (I suppose I should add photography as one of my enjoyable activities / hobbies).

Scrapbooking allows me to express myself creatively and cherish some of the moments I've lived. Re-living memories, as I'm scrapbooking, is so great to me. It reminds me that even though I struggle so much with migraines, I'm still living life, enjoying moments, and making memories.

The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month (MHAM) Blog Challenge is organized by the American Headache and Migraine Association.