As I said an earlier blog, balance is the key to surviving the wait. Participating in hobbies brings more balance into your life. You know the saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”? It also makes Jack a miserable boy.

You only live your life once, so set aside some time to do the things that you enjoy. Whether it is golfing, bowling, going to the movies, or stamp-collecting, make your hobby a priority in your life. Once your child enters your life, you will have less time to do the things that you enjoy, especially if you are adopting an infant or toddler because they require so much hands on attention. So, do the things that you enjoy NOW.

Another reason to invest in a hobby is that you will want to model a balanced life to your child. None of us wish a workaholic life on our children and yet many of us do it to ourselves: we work very hard to earn a lot of money and then are too exhausted to actually enjoy it. Children learn what they live and what their parents live. Building hobby time into your life forces you to balance your life between work and play.

It helps me to view myself as one of my children. If I would not expect my child to work six days a week without doing anything fun, then why would I expect this of myself? I want my son to do well in school academically, but I also want him to spend time playing with his friends and doing things that he enjoys, like riding his bike. I want him to enjoy his childhood. So, why shouldn’t I want the same things for myself? Why shouldn’t it also be a priority for me to spend time with MY friends? Why shouldn’t I schedule in the things that I enjoy doing, too? I want to enjoy my life, and I have the power to make that happen. Participating in my hobbies is one way that I bring enjoyment into my life.