There has been a piece of advice that I have adhered to for the majority of my life.
And that is to find three hobbies :
One to make you money
One to keep you creative
And one to keep you in shape
---
I. How I got into Psychology
Funnily enough, my interest in psychology started with the Myers-Briggs Type Inventory.
It all started in eighth grade, when a friend of mine asked me to take the test.
And this opened a new can of worms where I tried to find more about myself through the usage of multiple personality tests - such as the enneagram, socionics, temperaments, arcana... and the list goes on.
I even read several books about the Rorschach test (even though it was confirmed to be not very credible) - just because I want to find out myself as a person, instead of judging myself on how others see me.
And further than that, I want to understand my reality and life in general.
Except that reality is never meant to be understood easily by us. Rather, we live in a world that simply exists without any input from anyone. As a result, only we can understand who we are and how we should live our lives.
Due to this, some could get lost into their pursuits in purpose and identity.
I want to learn how I can help the people around me to be mentally strong as well, so that they can also one day take the paths that they desire. This got me into online therapy in the first place, and I only wish to continue with the endeavor.
The mind is very complex and with every passing generation it is not becoming any simpler. As a result - I figured that I should probably try to find a career that benefits the next generation, as I've always enjoyed working with children.
So when I later chose to be the teaching assistant for a first grade class in a week without walls program (students from Grades 6-12 engage in either internationally or locally based community service opportunities), I knew I had made the right choice.
I really enjoyed interacting with them, and held on to the cards they made. People tend to be driven by curiosity to explore the world they live in. And this tends to flare up in their early childhood. I want to gain a better understanding in the people I talk to, and how I can help them with any difficulties.
However, at this moment - I am still undecided on what specific branch in child psychology do I want to take. It is an expanding field after all.
---
II. Why I Journal
Generally speaking, I write my thoughts and feelings on a journal to understand them more clearly. It was a safe place I could use to confess any fears and struggles I have had without any judgment from anyone (or anything).
The world has mostly felt clearer to me by the time I stopped.
Plus, it is one way to apply sublimation into my life - which is the method to channeling negative and unacceptable impulses into behaviors that are positive and socially acceptable.
It also comes with several mental health benefits, such as :
- Easing stress
- Managing anxiety and depression
- Providing opportunities for positive self-talk and identifying negative behaviors
And anything can go on a journal from pressed flowers to photos of any kind.
In fact - some time during the first few months of quarantine, I had spent a while drawing a mood tracker, which had helped me keep myself in check multiple times as well as figure out when I should talk to people.
More importantly, you are free to write about anything.
It is your own possession. And it can serve as anything - whether that be a book of reminders, creative activities, or simply a record of your life.
It is a hobby that has stuck with me for years, and I doubt that I would ever give it up.
In fact, as of now - I believe that I have a total of ten completed journals, as they are one of the best methods for stress management.
---
III. Well.... Thinking has been scientifically proven to burn calories.
... But on a more serious note - if quarantine ends, I would like to start hiking again as soon as possible, as I haven't done that in a while.
I have hiked multiple times in other places with my family, but never in Hong Kong.
It’s good exercise and you get to explore nature. Almost anyone can do it, and it requires little or no special equipment or supplies needed.
In other words, it is the perfect exercise for anyone even if they are terrible at everything related to fitness. Or sports of any kind. Or et cetera.
I remember always taking pictures of the scenery around me. Whether it was a flower nearby, the cascades in front of me, or the snowflakes that fall - I've always taken the opportunity to capture those snapshots whenever I can. The air feels a lot fresher, and everything feels calmer.
I love observing nature.
I love the solitude.
And I love the memories I make with my family concerning them.
Just the whole idea of being away from the madness and chaos that modern people live in, and being in the habitat where humans belong to and where we came from is more than enough for me. Hiking and spending time in nature has been an exhilarating physical, mental and sometimes spiritual thing for me.
As of now - the most I currently could do is to listen to a soundscape, read visualization scripts, and try to picture everything in my mind.
Even though it is a relaxing experience, I am positive that it would never top the real deal.
how about ice skating?