Taking time out for fun

19 October 2017

I love doing genealogy research. (If you’d like to know more about that, check out my blog Organize Your Family History.) I’ve actually created a habit of doing research every day, first thing in the morning. I haven’t missed a day since August 1—which especially pleases me because I took a week-long trip during that time.

I research frequently, but not typically at length. I try to research for at least 30 minutes a day. Occasionally the research session is shorter than that and sometimes it’s longer. For example, I spent most of the day researching with a friend last month at the St. Louis County Library’s Genealogy Room.

I was hoping to take a research trip to Kentucky this month, but decided it wasn’t a prudent way to spend my time and money. My consolation prize is that I’m going to spend all day today and tomorrow on my research. After I get a couple of work-related tasks out of the way, I’m going to focus on my research, with the intention of visiting the St. Louis Public Library’s Genealogy Room and perhaps making my way back to the County library. Getting away from my desk and its distractions will be really helpful.

Why am I writing about that here? Because I think it’s so easy for us to let the responsibilities and tasks of home and work life get in the way of pursuing our passions and having fun. It feels like I could spend all day every day running my business and keeping my house organized. But that’s not the life I want to lead.

For me, genealogy is the passion I want to explore more. For you it might be a yoga practice or a craft. Whatever it is, I encourage you to try making time to do it. I can assure you, the other stuff will wait.

Tagged with: genealogy, self care