Taking Steps to True Happiness

I wrote last week in, My Leukemia’s Poetic Justice, I had a really difficult time getting used to the slowed down lifestyle when I got out of the hospital.  One of the main reasons for this frustration was my illness had forced me to stop doing most of the things I was accustomed to and loved.  Walking everyday did help with my adjustment to the slower lifestyle but that isn't the whole story.  During this time I took a step back and did a lot of reflection.  From this I realized I needed to find some new passions in the form of hobbies. 

I have always been a big believer in always learning something new and adding new passions to your life.  It is actually scientifically proven that by continually learning new things, your brain actually gets more of a workout and keeps more synapses open.  Our brains are magnificent computers but they are designed to streamline their processes so they can work more efficiently.  As they do this streamlining they close down synapses and reduce the amount of active neurons.   By working our brains out more we keep more of these active neurons open.  Aside from the scientific side, continually trying new things keeps our lives exciting.  I have tried many new things over the years, some I loved and I almost immediately moved on from. 

Once I realized I needed some new passions, I began brainstorming new things to try.  The problem was my illness was very limiting in what I could do, so I had to really be creative.  I always wanted to learn to sail, so I actually tried a sailing course.  Unfortunately after my first lesson I realized my lack of strength due to my treatments made it too dangerous for my health for me to continue.  Thankfully I explained my situation to the sailing school and they gave me a full refund. 

I realized I needed to try something that would use a little less energy.  It was actually out on one of my walks that I thought of the hobby that blossomed into one of my biggest passions.  While walking I realized that everything I had been had changed my perspectives and now I found I looked at things differently than I had before.  So I thought I would try photography to see if perspective of the world would translate into great images.  I ordered a starter camera just to try it out.  I fell in love my first time out and have upgraded my camera since.  The hobby has now turned into a fully fledged passion where I spend endless hours reading up on photography techniques and learning to become better at my craft.

Going into the hospital for the transplant I knew when I came out I would have to find hobbies and passions again.  What most people don't know is I actually sold my camera and lenses the week before I went in for transplant.  I just knew that I wasn't going to use it for awhile and I had interest in changing around my camera setup anyways.  It was the best decision I ever made because since getting out of the hospital I have had so much fun researching and planning out my new camera system.  When I sold the camera, I always knew I would replace it but wasn't sure if I would upgrade to a different camera body or not.  I decided to go with same camera body and change my lens setup.  While at the hospital on Friday I actually had someone meet me at PMH and I got my "new" camera.  I am so excited to start taking photos again and start on my 2011 collection.  For those that haven't seen my pictures from last year here is a link to what are my favourite pictures from 2010 - Aaron's Photo stream

Adding hobbies that can translate into passions in our lives adds so much joy.  I believe it is essential to have individual passions to achieve true happiness.  Don't force them though; keep trying new things until you find what you love.  Once you get bored, move on to something new.  Also remember to push your boundaries and put yourself outside of your comfort zone.  You will learn so much about yourself in doing this.  I once took swing and salsa dance lessons by myself because I wanted to see if I would enjoy it.  Now I was supervising at the time and once my shippers found out I was given the gears pretty hard, but I really had to push myself out of my comfort zone to do it.  I ended up not liking it too much but was so happy to have tried it and I definitely grew personally from it. 

Being that it is a new year I think each of you should make a promise to try something new this year.  I promise it will add so much happiness to your life this year! So come on, think of something you want to try and post it to the comment section. 

I look forward to hearing about everyone's new hobby!

Did you enjoy my post today? Save yourself time and have my all my new posts delivered directly to your email. Click Here to Subscribe to Aaron Outward by Email