Here's to finding what we love most in new year

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Dec 31, 2000 by Capital-Journal

LINDA LAIRD

Going beyond

Hobbies. What's a hobby?

The dictionary says it is a favorite pastime or avocation, something one does in their spare time.

I've told my children they will know they are truly lucky when they can do what they enjoy most and have a livelihood from it.

Some of us are lucky enough to be doing our favorite thing all the time, but others take it up in their "spare" time.

We collect dolls, even pop bottle caps and glass ducks. We design and create quilts or Teddy bears or dolls. We build furniture and toys or refurbish old things.

Travel, walking or hiking can be a hobby, just as reading and stitchery.

We can always look forward to making our hobby the top priority in retirement. Right? Some have made this work, but it takes some planning.

It also depends on what one enjoys doing.

Being a mountain climber or sky diver might be a little harder after 60, but with planning and continued good health, it can be done. I have heard of people who are able to go for it.

As for me, I have several things I enjoy doing. It's hard to make up my mind what I enjoy most.

Officially, I would have to say art is my most enjoyable personal hobby. I have been a part of Bob Ault's art classes and enjoy the challenge of putting brush and paint to paper.

Being part of an art project is so relaxing. You are doing the project, but the way the watercolor goes on the paper it defies what's real. Or perhaps it is more real.

It always turns out to be fun. I've been told over and over: "It must be fun!"

Some of us have other endeavors that are exceedingly important. It is one that may become even more important as we near and go into retirement.

Volunteerism is possibly what takes up most of my spare time. I do love being of service to others, which means it can count as a hobby. Right?

A volunteer project is more interactive. On one of my volunteer efforts, I have the privilege of working with families who come through the Child Adolescent Assessment Center for mediation.

My co-mediator and myself act as the neutral parties to help families sit down together to work out solutions for themselves.

I read somewhere that statistics show that a majority of volunteers in this country are among the white-hair set. We can move into a volunteer job that will be just as much fun as our profession was before retirement.

Here's offering new year's wishes that in the coming new millennium, many of us beyond 50 may find just the right pastime for us.

Coming attractions

We will see you in 2001 with our first month's feature: Arthritis: It doesn't have to be immobilizing.

We would like to hear from readers about this topic offering hints, ideas or experiences about the topic of arthritis, something that often hinders those of us moving into old age.

Please send articles or comments to Linda Laird, Beyond 50, Topeka Capital-Journal, 616 S.E. Jefferson St., Topeka, 66607 or e-mail to Beyond50@cjonline.com.