Are you making time for your free time?!

Hello kind krafters!
 
Are you making time for your free time?!
 
Working full time is definitely keeping me busy, so much so that I try to pack my evenings full of new adventures and activities to ensure I am still getting my daily dose of leisure!  I am not sure if you folks are feeling the same way, but sometimes it feels like there is not enough hours in the day! Although it can be challenging at times, it is so important to make time for yourself! There are so many health benefits that come from taking the time to do what you like and like what you do! I try to schedule at least 1hr of “me time” into each day to do an activity that brings me joy. I encourage you to try it- I found it made such a great difference in my day.

My free time is working towards my future professional tool kit!
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Since studying therapeutic recreation, I realized how important it is to be well practiced in a number of different leisure activities. By expanding the number of activities I am knowledgeable in, I will one day be able to deliver treatment that is meaningful and tailored to a client’s leisure preference, no matter what that may be. 

Meet Dan!

This year my boyfriend, Dan introduced me to skateboarding culture. He taught me about the history, the style, and the mechanics of skateboarding. His passion for skateboarding is intriguing. I had always thought of skateboarding as a means of transportation, until Dan showed me that there is so much more to skateboarding. When Dan speaks about skateboarding his face lights up and now I can see why. This blog is inspired by Dan’s kindness and patience in teaching me how to skateboard, and the friendly community he has introduced me to.

Learning something new- because why not?!
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Dan started my skateboarding education by showing me movies and video clips last summer. These clips highlighted the skillful talent of the most renowned skateboarders in history.  After watching a few clips it was interesting to see the reason why skateboarders began skating. For some, it was an escape, for others it was the adrenaline rush, but each person who skated did it because they loved it. The passion skaters have for being on their boards captivates me. Their level of fluidity and art in their movement is a pleasure to watch. Each skater has their unique style on the board.
It was no surprise, that after watching these movies and clips I was ready to start learning! I wanted to experience that feeling of being completely present on a board- having a flow experience. Dan started to teach me skateboarding last summer. For me, it was scarier and harder than it looked in the video clips. Rolling of a little curb was equivalent to a cliff in my eyes, a twig was a roadblock, and a stone was a death trap. I discovered that my fearful thoughts were preventing me from advancing on the board. With Dan’s encouragement and advice, it made me realize that skateboarding would be a great treatment modality for adventure therapy- pushing someone outside their comfort zone with calculated risks so they can advance and overcome challenges in their everyday life. Skateboarding teaches strong coping skills and resiliency. Dan’s advice to be confident and comfortable on the board made a big difference in my performance and progress.

Dan skateboarding on my new board!

My experience- no skateboarding stigmas!

Dan brings me to a park in Dundas. This park has a circular layout, filled with a playground, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, tennis courts, a splash pad, and an outdoor rink. This park is popular spot for all ages. I was a little nervous to skate there at first since it is a quiet, family park and I felt that I would be disturbing those around me. I was pleasantly surprised with the interaction of those around us when we were skateboarding. Drivers were courteous and patient, peopling walking and biking around the park were encouraging and polite. This reaction surprised me since skateboarding used to be viewed as a deviant leisure activity and I felt that more people would have been against us skateboarding in the park. It has been fun and smiles all around thus far!  Each time we go to skate there it is a great experience and I am grateful for that.

Call to action!

I want to hear what you are trying that is new to you! What are you going to try this summer that is outside your comfort zone? Do you know someone who is already passionate about it that can help you get to where you want to be? Share your stories in the comment section or reach out to me via social media!
 
PS. Stay kind to skaters :) Peace, love and happiness!
 
Stay kind,
 
Annie