I have been a negligent friend, and not just in blogging arena. I have allowed myself to lose touch here and in some real life relationships.
It’s not you. It’s me. A couple of weeks ago, a work friend (and one of the best people I know) shared with me a meme that said “May you heal so hard that you do your hobbies again.”
It’s one of the loveliest wishes I’ve ever received. It came from someone who knows I’ve been under the weather with more than a touch of depression.
I stopped doing a lot. Wasn’t writing, wasn’t even opening WordPress to read anyone else’s blog. Forgot to water my house plants and let a couple of them die. Just forgot to do things that usually bring me joy. They didn’t occur to me. My bicycle sat in the shed for several weeks, maybe months. Mostly, I went to work, then came home and crashed on the couch.
But I started taking an antidepressant and seeing a therapist. In addition, I have received so many kindnesses from people around me. And I believe all of that is helping me heal.
This blog probably counts as a hobby. I certainly don’t make money from it. I do it for enjoyment.
I got out yesterday and took a long walk with my son, the longest walk I’ve been on in a while. Today, I took out Freida, my bike. And now I’m here writing. My friend’s wish for me might be coming true.
On yesterday’s walk, I logged a new species on iNaturalist. A fungus that was cropping up around the neighborhood.
Today, Freida and I rode out on the trail to a wetlands area where I’m posting from. The most interesting thing I saw in the way was a man pushing a cat in a stroller. But I didn’t get a photo of that. For the moment, it’s just me, Freida, the plants, birds, bugs and whatever little critters are hidden from my view.
I know it’s been a hard year for many. If you’re reading this, I hope you are able to do your hobbies. If not today, then soon.
