Finding time to pursue passions outside of parenting can feel nearly impossible. As a parent of young children, I often find my energy consumed by daily demands, making it tough to focus on personal projects. One night, seeking a mental escape, I visited a jazz club to watch my brother play the saxophone. He was part of a jam session, where musicians, including those he had never met, performed together spontaneously. The beauty of the experience lay in its unpredictability—sometimes just a couple of musicians, other times a whole group. The songs could last anywhere from four to twenty minutes, and he took it all in stride, playing along without a set plan.
The next morning, during our walk, I was curious about how he managed to improvise so seamlessly. I asked him, “How do you just get up there and start playing without knowing the song? Aren’t you afraid of messing up?” He replied, “Musicians call out the key, and you play what feels right. You improvise. If you get lost, trust that you can find your way back.”
This conversation prompted me to reflect on moments when I’ve lost myself in a task that was both challenging and enjoyable. It’s a liberating sensation, but as a busy parent, I sometimes struggle to find that joy amidst the chaos. That night, I realized I must simply start. I decided to push aside my doubts and just dive in.
But self-doubt crept in. What if I’m terrible at this? What if I can’t find the time? What if others think I’m foolish? My brother’s advice echoed in my mind: Keep jamming.
Life as a parent can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel guilty about pursuing personal happiness. However, being fulfilled allows us to be better for those around us. I firmly believe that each of us has a duty to explore our passions and share them with the world.
Fast forward two and a half years, and I completed my goal: I wrote and published a cookbook! Who knew I had it in me? Here’s how you can start finding your own groove:
- Release the Pressure: Stop stressing about whether you’re doing it right or how others are doing it. No one else has your unique experiences to draw from. When I silenced the external noise, I heard my inner voice encouraging me: “You can do this.”
- Embrace Uncertainty: None of us truly knows what we’re doing. We’re all figuring it out as we go. You don’t have to wait for all the answers—start your journey and learn along the way.
- Accept Mistakes: Mistakes are part of the process. When my brother plays, he sometimes misses notes, but he doesn’t dwell on it. He keeps going, trusting that he’ll find his way back into the rhythm.
- Share Your Ideas: Speaking about your dreams can attract the energy and support you need. I found my co-author and a supportive network once I voiced my ambitions. Remember, the universe responds to your intentions.
- Listen to Your Instincts: Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. If a passion ignites within you, pursue it. Time is too valuable to waste on things that don’t excite you.
- Offer Help: What knowledge can you share with others? I remember feeling overwhelmed with meal planning as a new mom. I wanted to create simple, healthy meals for my family, and that desire led to my cookbook.
- Forget About Pleasing Everyone: It’s impossible to make everyone happy. Focus on what matters to you. When I started my project, I worried about judgment, but the support I received surprised me.
- Explore What Moves You: For me, it’s food. Working on recipes brought back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where cooking was about family and love.
- Ditch Perfection: Perfection is unattainable and dull. If my brother waited to play until he had mastered every song, he would never perform. Many people remain in the audience, afraid to take the stage.
So, what are you waiting for? What dreams are you putting off because you doubt their value? Push through the self-doubt, call out your key, and start jamming.
Congratulations to Jessica Hartman and her co-author on their new book, “Healthy Beginnings!” This baby and toddler cookbook is designed to foster good eating habits from the start—something we can all use more guidance on. For further insights, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Finding time for personal passions as a parent can be challenging, but it’s essential for your well-being. By letting go of perfectionism, embracing mistakes, and sharing your ideas, you can discover what truly makes you happy. Remember to trust your instincts and focus on what resonates with you. So, take that leap, and start your journey today!