This week I taught myself how to knit Portuguese style. I'm hoping that it will allow me to knit without my right hand hurting. If it doesn't work out, then I will probably have to give up knitting. That's a sad thought.
Here is something I've noticed: the happiest people all have a particular interest that they are passionate about to the point of obsession. They knit, or they write, or they collect record albums or mechanical banks, or play guitar, or run, or quilt, or study the Civil War. Doing these things makes them happy. Thinking and talking about these things makes them happy. They know just what they're going to do in their free time, and they are looking forward to doing it.
What will I do if I can't knit?
I have been thinking about how passions develop in people. How do you figure out where your interests lie? Is it a matter of exposure and trying new things? Or is it something else?
Last winter I took a belly dancing class. I didn't like it. Yet, I have always been attracted to this dance form, so I wonder if I just had a bad instructor. Many years ago I took a yoga class (kundalini style) and loved it, but I am not particularly interested in yoga. At one time I was working to become a La Leche League leader. I have always been passionate about breastfeeding advocacy. However, being an LLL leader requires a level of dedication that I can't commit to right now. For years I studied religion and the Bible, but since 2004 when I became Catholic, I no longer have the questions I once had.
What are you passionate about?
Here is something I've noticed: the happiest people all have a particular interest that they are passionate about to the point of obsession. They knit, or they write, or they collect record albums or mechanical banks, or play guitar, or run, or quilt, or study the Civil War. Doing these things makes them happy. Thinking and talking about these things makes them happy. They know just what they're going to do in their free time, and they are looking forward to doing it.
What will I do if I can't knit?
I have been thinking about how passions develop in people. How do you figure out where your interests lie? Is it a matter of exposure and trying new things? Or is it something else?
Last winter I took a belly dancing class. I didn't like it. Yet, I have always been attracted to this dance form, so I wonder if I just had a bad instructor. Many years ago I took a yoga class (kundalini style) and loved it, but I am not particularly interested in yoga. At one time I was working to become a La Leche League leader. I have always been passionate about breastfeeding advocacy. However, being an LLL leader requires a level of dedication that I can't commit to right now. For years I studied religion and the Bible, but since 2004 when I became Catholic, I no longer have the questions I once had.
What are you passionate about?
Oh I do hope the knitting comes back without pain. I agree that happy people have a passion. I am sure you will find yours. You love to write, maybe that could be your passion? Little prayers are sent to your hands to heal :)
ReplyDeleteI don't think the Portuguese style will be the answer that I'm looking for; my hands hurt today :-( However, poking around on knitting forums, it seems that a lot of knitters suffer from chronic hand pain. I'm going to try a regimen of stretching before and after picking up the needles, and also knit in very short sessions.
DeleteI have a lot of little passions these days, but no big ones. Writing is actually a small passion for me.
Thank you so much for your healing thoughts :-)
I am sorry for your potential loss of knitting :-( That is so sad. I too have said a prayer that your hands may heal. Have you tried athletic supports, deep heat treatments, etc?
ReplyDeleteYou know I am passionate about writing ... and of course mothering. :-)
I would ask you if writing could replace knitting in your life, but I understand that they are two very different things. Knitting can be tranquilising, mindless, whereas writing requires a definite engagement with the task. Maybe a new passion awaits you but you just haven't discovered it yet, such as photography or historical research or cake decoration or pilates.
I love that you are passionate about writing and mothering--that's a strong connection we share :-)
DeleteThank-you for praying for my hands. They hurt today, but I'm not giving up. Where there is a will, there is way, right? I keep thinking of Black Sabbath's guitarist Tony Iommi and Def Leppard's drummer Rick Allen--although they both had terrible accidents they each found a way to keep playing. That's the spirit!
I hope you find some relief! My great grandmother crocheted and tatted until the very end of her 102 years.
ReplyDeletePassionate? That's a tough question. I thought briefly of becoming an LLL leader, but it's not worked out yet. I'm working on the doula thing, but I'm still test driving it (and have to actually go to a birth that's not my one of my own). I'm tentative about Waldorf education, but trying to learn more.
I know, however, that I am passionate about sharing the natural world with others. There will always be nature.
A love for nature is something that you and I both share <3.
DeleteIt's encouraging to know that your great grandmother could pursue the crafts she loved for so long.
I am so eager to "read" the next chapter of your life, Brandy. So many good things are coming for you and your family :-)
I'm sorry to hear that because I've been waiting for something in the mail w/your knitting expertise. A beautiful scarf or mittens perhaps. I would hate to have you give it up before I am adorned in Susie Style. :)
ReplyDeleteTonight I smell like BenGay. I've taken Advil, applied heat, and I'm searching online for solutions. I'm not giving up yet :-)
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