article from WINTER 2005 ISSUE
Hobbies! (Also known as “Cures”)
There is a “condition” that affects millions each year. As a teen, you must especially beware, as you are most susceptible to it. What is it, and how do you prevent it?
BY GABRIEL N. LISCHAK
“I’m bored!”—“Why is there nothing to do?”—“I wish there was something fun to do!”
Have you ever felt this way? If so, there is no need to worry. Many, if not all, teenagers have. You simply came down with a common condition known as “boredom syndrome.”
You probably have been sick with a cold at least once in your life. And you have probably noticed how easily it spreads from one person to another. Homes and classrooms can sound like hospital rooms, with coughs, sniffles and sneezes filling the air, and trashcans becoming piled high with tissues.
Boredom syndrome is similar to having a cold. But instead of coughs, sniffles and sneezes, the results are complaining and moaning. It can easily spread from one person to another as well. Further, once a group of people has been affected, complaining and moaning often turn into mischief.
Now for the good news: Boredom syndrome is different from a cold in at least one positive way—it can be instantly cured! And you have thousands of “cures” from which to choose. They are called hobbies.
Choose a “Cure”
When you hear the word “hobby,” what comes to mind? Do you think of collecting stamps, sewing or building models? Certainly, these are hobbies in the traditional sense.
However, any activity that brings joy can be classified as a hobby. This means that building an arsenal of hobbies—“cures”—should be a relatively easy task. (Of course, such activities must be within the framework of God’s Law.)
The more hobbies you have at your disposal, the easier it will be to prevent boredom. For example, if the only hobby you have is playing basketball, what will you do when boredom strikes during a rainstorm, keeping you from playing outside?—or when you are sick? A balance of indoor and outdoor hobbies will serve to alleviate this potential problem.
Begin your quest for hobbies by writing down a couple of things that interest you, and continue adding to the list each day for one week or so.
It has been said that there are as many hobbies as ideas. If you cannot think of much, just write down any activity or idea that enters your mind. Do not analyze them right away—the idea is to “brainstorm” potential hobbies. If you enjoy television shows about nature, write down “enjoy nature.” This could lead to hobbies such as collecting gemstones or interesting insects. If airplanes fascinate you, write down “fascinated by airplanes.” This could lead to building models or learning how to fly. Try doing an Internet search on hobbies—you will be surprised at the interesting results!
Also, write down any talents or abilities you possess; everyone has at least one. Are you athletic?—write it down. Are you able to fix things?—write it down as well.
Now that you have a list of numerous activities, you are ready to embark on an adventure. Experiment with the ideas you wrote down. At first glance, you may see a few that do not sound all that fun and exciting. But after you “try them on for size,” you might change your mind. You’ll never know until you try. In addition, many hobbies can reveal latent abilities within you. In other words, you may discover hidden talents!
Hobbies afford the opportunity to grow and expand your horizons. For instance, ponder the patience and resolve necessary to play a musical instrument or build intricate models. Growing and improving in these qualities will surely build and strengthen your character—which should excite you, because building character is the reason why you were born!
There is an entire world of hobbies just waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. So go ahead, explore. Defeat boredom syndrome once and for all!