Its been a year since ...

...the discovery of paper thrills. Who would have thought the simple beginings of card making made out of fancy paper punchers painstakingly adhered together (I still have a few of my first Christmas cards) led to a finer appreciation of paper products and stationaries, the art scrapbooking, sewing and even photography!

I've since come to a greater understanding why it is important that a person has other pursuits (healthy and worthwhile, of course!) apart from work ... because for most work can sometimes be a real pain. Sometimes having to deal with crisises (usually not of one's doing), incompetences, tiresome politics and the stress that comes with the rigours of the day.

I daresay for most, work has become somewhat 'passion-less' yet, out of necessity we learn to be adept at what we do (while for some learn to be truly skillful in the art of 'busy bee-ing' while not letting others do all the work!) But for most the 'work' (whether in name or in the true sense of the word) we do at the end of the day defines us, our very identities. It's all consuming that all 'new' conversation almost always begin with the curious inquisition of 'what one does (for a living)' and old conversations end with 'work'.

Unless one revels being defined as a single-dimensional (more or less) 'work horse', picking up a hobby offers one the opportunity to 'get out the box' and to enjoy different experiences and moments that life has to offer. It's not only therapeutic, it's absorbingly enjoyable (for a change) and satisfying - to just be in one's element.

Happy new year, everyone! May all your dreams come true.