When did everything I do become a project?
Hobbies
Someone asked me recently what my hobbies were. And initially I froze.
What went through my mind were quite a few activities one could perceive as hobbies but – in that split second – I questioned if that was still the case for me.
I managed to turn every activity that I started doing for fun into a performance and continuous improvement project. Be it SUP, jewellery making, drawing, clay art..., just to name a few.
I would either start treating it very seriously and push myself to do it and do it better and better. Or I would very quickly see my poor attempt at it and give up because I wasn’t doing it well enough.
Performance culture
Crazy, right? When a hobby like, let’s say, knitting is supposed to become a performance or art!? Of course, if in the process of enjoying it you master it so well it does – it is a great side-benefit. But if we talk about hobbies, and their purpose, performance should not be the leading principle.
But I think we all got caught up in the performance culture. I still see a lot of those perfect moments on social media. Then I compare myself unwillingly. Sometimes I end up thinking that if I am not a superwoman juggling family life with full-time demanding job and a ‘hobby’ I excel at, then I’m not doing enough.
Well, guess what. I don’t care anymore (or trying not to). And it remains a work-in-progress. In an attempt to change that trend, I have put “FUN HOBBY” on my new habit tracker. Maybe still a bit ‘performance-like’ set up, but it is more of a reminder to myself. I want to make time for it and be mindful about it. So, either do something I truly enjoyed in the past and keep it at it – a fun activity. Or maybe I will try new fun things without an intention of picking it up as a hobby, so truly doing it just for fun.
The shift
One of the other examples of the shift I’m trying to make is the current projects I’m working on – a fundraiser for local Endometriosis Foundation. I had this idea for a while now and was toying with it and mulling it over. Somehow, I think I was still keeping it in the fantasy world. But the more I thought of it, the more I wanted to do it. What better can there be than a SUP activity I love combined with a good deed and a fundraiser for a great cause close to my heart? Well, there is nothing better thanthat – I guarantee!
But this wasn’t always my attitude. Earlier I was able to do much more, so the performance part worked out for a while. Because of endometriosis I had to reevaluate my abilities and learn to let go. Which eventually – but with quite a bit of work on myself – left me with the fun aspect of SUP.
Now my husband and I said a big “YES” to organizing the Endo-SUP Fundraiser and there is no way back. I am excited although a bit anxious too. I keep coming up with all those “what ifs” that can go wrong.
The joy is immense though! The fun of putting it all together is so rewarding, meeting up with partners, creating a landing page, flyers, spreading the word. I cannot wait to the day itself. It’s going to be a great community day!
You can find more details on the Endo-SUP event page under this link.
Endo-SUP Fundraiser
Our printed leaflet for the first ever edition of Endo-SUP in the Netherlands, summer of 2026.
The present moment
Through a number of these experiences, I have learnt that I need to slow down and enjoy the proverbial birds singing. It’s about having some fun in the moment, be it those birds, be it a fun activity, be it a slow morning with a cup of your favourite beverage.
The present moment is all we have; the rest is gone or hasn't happened yet. And I still struggle with just ‘being’ in the moment from time to time; my mind wanders, I worry about things or am planning something.
But what I rarely give up is my morning coffee on a terrace – especially with the warmer weather. I just sit there and take in the nature around me; grasses moving with the wind, birds pecking on something in the ground, sun shining through the leaves, light breeze on my face. I don’t make a structured practice of it anymore, but it started with this simple mindfulness exercise, and I would like to share it with you.
Next time you have a chance, do this simple “5x5” exercise:
Find a comfortable place, ideally in nature or looking outside onto some greenery
The closed eyes in some parts are a choice, so do what feels right for you
Take your time
Start with 5 longer but calm breaths in and out
Then notice 5 random things, look at them one by one with great curiosity, as if you’ve seen them for the first time in your life, observe, notice new details
Then notice 5 different sounds, again with curiosity and awe
Next notice 5 sensations in your body, be it fabric touching your skin, how your back leans against the chair, maybe a little breeze on your cheek
And close it off with 5 slow calm breaths
If you try it out, I would love to hear from you how you experienced it. Reach out to me and we can grab a (virtual) coffee.
Till next time.
Stay rooted,
Dominika
P.S. I managed to ‘practice’ some hobbies recently and because of a lot of obligations I kept it simple, but it was very gratifying. I just grabbed a book I had wanted to read for a while now – not the course books I am constantly busy with, but my favourite genre. I also met up with friends – just for a coffee, not waiting for the perfect moment. I was amazed by the energy those gave me. Just enjoying the moments without planning or big preparations. And not expecting anything in return. <3
My hubby and I paddling against the setting sun.