A New Hobby

Alvin heard a splash and felt a few drops of water hit his legs. He looked over at the pond and saw the water rippling. On the other side, a couple held each other. All around him, the park was alive with activity. A woman sat at a bench with a sketch pad. Another woman was roller skating and walking her dog. Children ran around doing nothing. Some teenagers were playing Frisbee.

Taking it all in, Alvin thought about all the activities he used to do. He used to be into dancing. He used to be into cooking. He used to be into interior design. All the activities he used to be into were more than passing phases at the time.

Alvin went to dance classes three times a week. He practiced in his living room every day. He got his friend Veronica to try it out. He planned to be an instructor at the school eventually. But somehow, it just kind of got away from him. The first class he missed just because he was really tired that day was the beginning of the end. After missing that first class, missing subsequent ones just for being tired became easier and easier, until he just stopped showing up.

The other activities all had the same story. Intense passion. Lots of study. Bring friends in to share the fun. And eventually grow tired of it. Although he never realized the pattern, he could set his clock by it for all of his old hobbies.

The funny thing was that all the friends he brought in to join were still active. Veronica is a dance instructor. Alan still hosts dinner parties to share his new recipes. Ricky has a decorating blog. Somehow his friends never burned out.

Alvin wondered what the problem with him was. Why does everybody seem to find their purpose but he can't find a hobby that he can stick with? It's like his real purpose is getting other people to find their purpose.

"Maybe it is," he said to nobody.

Continuing his walk, he saw a group of people doing tai chi. He stood to watch them, entranced by the movements. It reminded him of his dance training, but it looked stronger. It was like every movement had a real purpose, they were always connected to the ground, but were always moving. It was a lovely sight. After the group had finished their set, the leader approached Alvin.

"Hi there. I noticed you watching the group. If you're interested, you're more than welcome to join us. We meet here daily around noon, but come whenever you feel."

Alvin shook the instructor's hand. "Thanks. I'll come try it out tomorrow."

They parted ways and Alvin wondered if tai chi would end up like all his other hobbies. The first question he pondered was who he would end up inviting to join him. The he felt a flash of insight.

"Nobody. And that's why it'll be different."