Rediscovering Lost Hobbies and Finding Joy in Collection
As I reflect on the collection of beautiful boxes and attractive spoons and ice cream cups that I once cherished during my childhood, I am struck by the realization of how societal norms can influence our choices and hobbies over time. While these interests may be perceived by others as childish and unbecoming, they hold a special place in my heart as a reminder of my early passions and curiosities.
The Journey of My Childhood Collecting
Between 2015 and 2019, I collected various items that caught my eye, such as empty pen cases and items from newspapers. One of my earliest collections was beautiful boxes.
Injecting life into my childhood memories, I vividly recall the attractive spoons and ice cream cups I used to gather. But why did I stop collecting them? Often, society dictates what is considered acceptable or not at certain ages. As I entered adulthood, the expectations changed, and I no longer pursued these interests. Instead, I turned to a new hobby—collecting books.
From Childhood Collections to Adult Passions
To my surprise, collecting books has become a new source of joy for me. In the past three years, I have managed to gather 15 books, filling up my space with the knowledge and stories they hold. While I acknowledge that this may not seem like a significant achievement, it represents a step towards fulfilling a dream that was long neglected.
Childhood Role-Playing and Imagery
Another facet of my childhood that I cherish is the numerous roles I played. Back then, I transformed myself into various personas, such as a maid, chef, teacher, doctor, scientist, bank manager, air hostess, shopkeeper, finance minister, President, and even the Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) and actress. Each role offered a unique glimpse into different aspects of life, making my childhood days more fulfilling.
Learning Experiences and Inspiration
Playing the role of a maid was particularly memorable. I would take on most household chores, excluding cooking, which brought immense joy to my family, especially my mother. Additionally, I would imitate the expressions and accents of actresses from the serials my mother was watching, an activity that was later discouraged for academic reasons.
The Love for Subjects
My favorite subject in school was Social Studies. Even in my 10th board exams, I scored the highest marks in this subject. When I was bored, I would take notes on Social Studies or read from my previous class books. My interest in Biology also led me to explore chapters that I found intriguing without knowing much about the subject itself.
Lost Opportunities and Gaining Insights
Even though I can no longer indulge in my earlier hobbies, I find solace in collecting books. It serves as a reminder of my earlier days and the aspirations that I once had. Reflecting on my past, I ask myself if I am living up to the expectations that my younger self had for me. Am I making progress towards achieving those goals?
The Answer Lies in Reflection
Despite the challenges, I find motivation in the expectation that my future self has for me. This reflection has led me to question whether I am being productive and growing in a manner that would make my younger self proud. It is a reminder that the paths we choose to follow are often driven by societal pressures, but it is never too late to rediscover lost joys.
While I may be procrastinating and getting easily irritated, there are still moments when I feel a sense of accomplishment. In the end, what matters is that I am making progress, and my younger self would still be proud of that progress.