This is Day 16 of the 21-Day Positivity Challenge held in March 2012, where we work on being positive for 21 days. The challenge is now over but you can do the tasks in your own time. Visit the overview page for all the tasks.
21DPC Day 16 Question
Today’s positivity question is:
What is Your Favorite Pastime?
And Why?
Your Task:
- Reflect and answer today’s question(s). Write as few or as many words as needed to fully express yourself.
- Spend at least 10 minutes on your pastime today. If it’s not possible (for example, if it’s an activity that needs prearrangement like sailing or canoeing), pick a different pastime you can do today.
- Did you enjoy it?
- How can you do this more often from now on?
- Identify at least one positive thing about your day. It may be something small or something big – as long as you deem it as something positive, it counts. If you have more than 1 thing to share, then by all means, go for it!
Share Your Answers!
After you are done, share your answers in the comments area.
If you’re doing this at the start of the day, you can post your answer for today’s question first, then work on your positivity task throughout the day, then return at the end of the day to share your results for your positivity task and your end-of-day positive reflection.
Check out other participants’ answers. Pick 1-2 participants’ answers and make a meaningful reply to them. Engage in the discussions. This is a group course, so let’s support each other in these 21 days!
Look forward to reading your responses!
(Images: Happy girl in the field, Kite flying)
If you like my articles, join my community of 65,000 readers and get my latest articles delivered to your inbox. Your email is safe. 100% no spam.
What is Your Favourite Pastime? And Why?
I truly LOVE practising African dance(s). It purifies me, empties my head (full of concerns, issues, negative thoughts and fears), fills me with a strong good energy, and makes me feel fully alive and grounded. It is like a movement meditation. I try to be present here and now, listen to the music, breathe deeply and let my body speak as beautifully as it can. I do appreciate a lot the energy that is created by the group when we all dance together. I like to improvise which happens from time to time: we form a circle and one person goes to its centre and dances/improvises for a moment. It might be stressful at the beginning but when you are dancing fully/switch off your logical mind, it is only goodness that fills you up from head to toe! Shall we dance? ;)
What is my favorite pastime and why?
I have a lot of favorite pastimes….scrapbooking, baking, crafts, and reading. Reading is probably my absolute favorite pastime. I read all kinds of books. Almost anytime I have a conversation, it starts off with “I recently read….”, and I’ll refer to a book, magazine article, newspaper article, or anything else I can read. Thankfully, my husband and I have this in common.
We take at least 20 minutes each night before bed to read our books. It helps us stay away from watching too much tv, or being “lazy” (we have our days). We do watch a lot of tv after work, it’s kind of our “winding down” time. I think we could get more reading done in that time, and I think I’ll challenge us both to spend more time reading then watching tv.
I’m also doing a reading challenge for goodreads.com. I have challenged myself to read 100 books by the end of the year….so far I’m on book 9 (currently reading The Help). I think reading is something I will ALWAYS enjoy, and I will ALWAYS make time for.
One positive thing about my day: I spent the evening with a good friend of mine, and I feel like we really bonded. We also went to see a movie at an Independent movie theater, and I was so amazed by this theater! It is old and beautiful, and I LOVE that they only play independent films!
My favorite pastimes are outdoor activities, like camping, walking and hiking, and reading. I definitely need to spend more time reading for fun each day. I’m in school, so I read for class daily but it’s not quite the same. Perhaps today I’ll take some time and go outside to read. I can easily do this more often now that the weather is better. I really need to set aside 20-30 minutes each day to do this.
One positive thing about today: I got an interview for a job I applied for. Since being employed is a big source of stress for me right now, this is certainly a positive development!
My favorite past time is writing. It has so many thereaputic effects for me and can be an awesome adventure. I love to write!!!!!
One postive thing about today is I went for a nice walk!!!!
Ok lot of positive things to identify about my days lately so one of them is i am moving forward with my fitness and i can feel it.
As for today’s question… I love pastime but one of my favorite way to spend it is definitely reading, because even thou i am resting i can learn from worlds greatest minds, or set off in a fantasy world full of adventures or just relax in romantic and easy book and as i love the most get inspired and get some of life insights from books…
My favourite pastimes are learning and reading – both are related though. In addition to formal learning, I like reading and learning from the Internet and blogs. I have learned a lot from P.E and Celes. In the past, I used to just accumulate knowledge – a little like a sponge . Now, I try to be more practical – read and apply the knowledge gained e.g. about healthy living.
I also like reading for fun – specially suspense, adventure and sci-fi books.
Good thing about today – went shopping with my daughter and had lots of fun (and bought books – we both love to read) :)
I’m don’t think I have a single favorite pastime…perhaps, as with the music and movies & such, I will recognize it in time.
I love going to the beach…to spend a hot summer day or to watch the sunrise/sunset, or search for beach glass, or just to experience the greatness of the ocean. Getting a tan, people watching, body-surfing, building sandcastles, just experiencing something greater than myself or the small piece of the Universe I inhabit.
I watched one of my favorite movies with one of my most favorite people :)
I have many enjoyable pastimes (cooking, crafting, reading, walking, etc.) And they’re all my favourite when I’m doing them!
I’ve recently re-joined a hiking group on Thursday evenings (about 10 kms) and its been so wonderful!
Today’s positive is that I have another bag of clothes for donation … I’m slowly purging items that I haven’t worn for ages … time to pass them on!
What is my favorite pastime? And why?
:dance: My favorite pastime would be watching movies and reading. Both provide me an escapade into which I could for a while forget who I am and just go with the flow of the story and the protagonist or characters in the book or film. Sometimes books gives me new perspectives and concepts. Sometimes movies inspire me.
:dance: Yes, I did spend time doing my favorite pastime! I read a book Mystery by Jonathan Kellerman and watched a movie by Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman called Seven.
:clap: One positive thing about the my day was receiving my paycheck notification via email. Yayeeee!
My favourite pastime is listening to music and dancing, reading books and sometimes being on the internet and just searching for random topics that will help me gain knowledge on new things..
Most positive thing about my day yesterday was a long fun chat with my sister and we laughed and joked around on so many issues it was great!
**21DPC DAY 16**
My favourite pastime is talking with conscious people!! :)
Yesterday I did talk to several people, some of whom I’d consider conscious. Perhaps not my personal favourites but it was really good nevertheless – it’s good as long as they’re reasonably close to my cons. level :)
How can I do this more often? By contacting people and arranging to meet of course! I’ve contacted several folks and gonna meet at least 2 lecturers. I dunno them too well but I’ll try my best to have a good conversation :)
Positive: netball match between staff and students! Followed by drinks in a pub (on them!) Really happy I went – got to socialise with people I wouldn’t normally interact with. Even had some discussion about the course with the 2nd and 3rd years (well, that was the most obvious common ground…)
POSITIVE
Today’s question got me to thinking about my favorite pastimes and I so appreciate those wonderful pastimes that make life ever more sweeter.
:heart: Besides writing and reading, (my love for writing I expounded on in today’s main question),….
:heart: I LOVE to watch films….old, new, no matter, I love them!
:heart: I love to listen to music, many different kinds of music.
:heart: I love being in Nature, observing it, and with a keen fondness, spending much time in Nature.
:heart: I love sharing a good conversation, one where both people are really into it.
:heart: I love looking at old photos, letters. cards, old journals, old magazines and books. Reliving good memories, getting new perspective on myself on how much I’ve grown, etc. and seeing and appreciating how full my life has been…(still Is! :D )
:heart: I love attending live cultural events (live theater, dance, concerts, etc.), art museums, etc. Very enriching and relaxing and uplifting
:heart: I love communicating and researching on the internet. (love youtube!) This PE site is a great example of great, helpful, inspiring information available and communication that spans the globe! :D :heart: ! :D
:heart: I love to watch/listen to people who REALLY know how to sing, and they get a chance to perform and get discovered. I feel SO good when people receive the appreciation so deserving for their amazing gift!! :heart:
:heart: I love to swim, especially in oceans, rivers, and lakes!
:heart: I love “me time.”
This is when I take time out to take a deep breath, and tune into how I am doing, physically, emotionally, spiritually. This favorite pastime can be a time of reflection, review, planning, visualization, making lists (not just “to do” lists, also gratitude lists, affirmation and brainstorming lists, etc.), and writing about new ah-ha moments.
This is important for me to do on a daily basis, even if for 5 minutes, here or there, if things are really crazy, or it can be much longer. It’s how I stay in reality and stay centered. So this is a valuable, very important, cherished pastime for me.
LIFE IS FULL AND THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS!!! :D :heart: :dance:
HAPPY DREAMS COME TRUE!!! :hug:
I have quite a few favourite pastimes, as I am always switching between different things. My top three would have to be painting/drawing, playing the piano, and photography. Depending on my mood that day, I can easily focus on any one of these things and lose myself in it for hours.
I also really enjoy reading (as I see many people on here do!), scrapbooking and playing computer or video games.
Well I worked all day yesterday, and since I am a photographer, I suppose I can say I spent several hours taking photos. It was very busy yesterday but made a lot of people happy with their photos, and that’s what counts! I didn’t accomplish much else though after work – I was exhausted.
My positive thing yesterday was spending time with the families I worked with yesterday, and after work, making a chicken dinner with mashed potatoes that actually turned out pretty good!
Well not the best thing to do but I love to watch CSI type of TV series, it takes away my fatigue and somehow works like a brain exercise, tryin to figure out how the crime took place who is the guilty person etc.I really think it is quite creative scenarios out there, I always dreamed about writing a nove but those scenarious each one are a brief novel in itself and I admire the creativity. However I am aware watching Tv is not the best method for my self development and working a lot to get it out of my life as far as possible.
Apart from this I love reading and always take some time to read before going to bed. Recently one of my friends gave me a book as a present telling me when she first started reading this book she immediately thought I would love it, so today I am planning to give a start to reading this book
It was also very inspiring what I read in the comments of all of you writing for todays post, like keeping a life log, doing volunteer work, scrapbooking.. I did a very nice photo album for one of my friends recently it was lovely to see the joy in her eyes when I gave it to her. I should also do it for myself I guess! Thanks for the inspiration
Positive thing about the day, it was my last day in my job, received so much gratitude and good wishes from so many different people, it was great!
My favourite pastime is: To listen to music and dancing. Why? Don’t know, music is part of my essence I imagine. Music makes me experience so many feelings, music transport me to the past, music can make me jump out the chair and happily dance, music relaxes me, music inspires me…wow, I do love music. Every day I have my dose of music for a couple of hours.
Positive thing: I went to see a match to the stadium with some friends, it was very entertained and had a great time
One of my favorite pastime is to read. I enjoy lounging around and reading a good book that I can’t seem to lay down.
I enjoy reading books that usually are turned into movies such as “Mystic River”, “Gone Baby Gone”, “White Oleander”, and other things to this nature. The books always intrigue me more than the movies.
I also enjoy memoirs, one of my favorites being “The Liar’s Club” by Mary Carr. I enjoy poetry also and Mary Carr is one of my favorites.
My favorite book is a book called “Saint Maybe”. It is one of those books that I normally wouldn’t read and then in 2000 I had to have my gall bladder removed and was laid up at my aunt’s house. She had the book there and it is absolutely wonderful. It makes you stop and think about how different events can change your entire life course or how guilt can cause you to do things to repent and you end up sacrificing a lot. I recommend this book to anyone.
I also enjoy scrapbooking and my photos.
My positive for today is that I got my hair highlighted with blonde. It has not been this light in color since I was 4 years old and I love it. My friend took me and paid for it because she knows I wouldn’t spend that money on myself. I would spend it on my children. So I am again blessed to have such a wonderful person in my life. :heart:
i’m not sure if this counts as a past time, but my favourite thing to do is to meet a friend, go for tea/coffee, chat and catch up :) i absolutely love catching up with my friends. unfortunately i live away from my closest friends but today i’ve managed to catch up with a friend in australia via facebook chat, and also another close friend who is currently living in paris. in a couple of weeks’ time i will also be meeting a lot of old friends and catching up with them over afternoon tea, really looking forward to it! it’s my favourite thing to chat with friends whilst enjoying tea and cake too, love it ;) i will be able to do this more once i move back to my home country (england) and am closer to all my friends :)
and my positive things for today: a good friend sent me an out of the blue ‘love’ message :), it’s friday, went to a friend’s birthday thing, and cleaned my flat :)
sorry forgot to say why i love it… because my friends mean the world to me, and i love building our relationship more and more with a heart to heart/deep conversation. i really listen to my friends and i love being in their company :) ohhh and i love tea and cake!!! :) xxx
My favorite thing to do is scrapbooking. I love being able to record the story of my family’s life and have a record of what we’ve done. It tells stories about who we are at that moment. It records the little daily things that I’m not sure if I’ll remember when I get older. I usually work on family albums or albums for my daughter, but I’ve recently started one just about me for the first time.
As I read through a lot of the posts today, I realized how important reading is to me, too. I’ve always read in some way, but for awhile I got away from it, mostly just reading news from the Internet or work-related magazines and articles. I was so busy raising a family and keeping up with the daily things, that I wasn’t taking much time for me at all. I started reading books again a little over a year ago, and it’s helped me so much. I was so confused at that point in my life about where I wanted my life to be going. I just started picking up books and reading anything that I thought might help. I re-read some books that made a positive impact on me in the past. I can tell it’s making a big difference in my life. Giving me inspiration and hope for the future.
I didn’t scrapbook today, but I read while I was eating lunch and I hope to read some more before I go to bed. I have been increasing my time scrapbooking, reading, and doing other things I enjoy because it helps rejuvenate me for the other things in my life.
Positive things about today: My best friend called to check in on me today. I was kind of bummed earlier. I am so thankful to have someone in my life that checks in on me when I need it. I stopped to see a friend’s new baby after work. I accomplished a mini home improvement project. I spent some time taking care of me today.
I also love my photos and I love scrapbooking to arrange them in unique ways that tell my entire life story. I haven’t been able to do it as much lately due to time but I need to make time to work on some. Reading can be a positive thing when you are having a difficult time. I just wrote that my favorite book is “Saint Maybe” because it is based on how events can change our entire life course and how holding onto guilt or sadness can cause us to sacrifice so much because we are spending too much time trying to repent for something we think we’ve done. This book is very enlightening and I would recommend it to anyone as a positive read.
Friends seem to keep us going. Have a wonderful day and if you get the chance maybe you could read the book I recommended. :hug:
Thanks for the recommendation! I’ve added it to my list to pick up at the library on Monday.
My favorite pastime is reading too! I have to limit myself, because otherwise I would just read all day! My favorite book this year is Napoleon Hill’s “Laws of Success” (http://napoleon-hill-laws-of-success.com/). It is an old book, but the premise is still valid!
Positive thing for today: I am forging ahead with new business, and it is exciting, alarming, thrilling, fun, and nerve-wracking.
What is Your Favorite Pastime? And Why?
– I really love researching nutrition and exercise, particularly as they pertain to veganism, yoga, and Crossfit. Learning new things makes me so happy!
Spend at least 10 minutes on your pastime today. Did you enjoy it? How can you do this more often from now on?
– I did enjoy it! And really, I spend quite a lot of time reaserching this stuff anyway, so I don’t think I need to do more.
Identify at least one positive thing about your day.
– I got one step closer to being done with our taxes today! I just have a couple more forms to bring in and we’ll be all set. I also had a really nice walk with the dogs this morning.
My favorite pastime is to watch the sunrise and write. So I do it every day,
I can’t imagine one day without it so I always make sure to find some time for it.
God things for today: My husband got the letter for his papers and it rained after many dry days. I could not wait for it.
Have a lovely week-end.
It changes, but my current favorite past time is dancing in my living room to songs on YouTube. I’m so tired of all the music on my Itunes, so I love just putting on new songs from YouTube that I do hope to buy at some point. I rock out in my living all by myself–it’s great! I’ve been doing it almost every day for the past few weeks, so I’m pretty sure I’ll be doing that today at some point too.
Good things that have happened today: I really enjoyed the new video that Katie Freiling posted. It made me feel good and reminded me to come back to my center and give up control. I really needed to hear that.
Love doing this too, it’s so relaxing and and I am full of energy afterwards.
Enjoy it again tonight! Take care Christina.
My favorite past time is motorsport photography.
I tried land scape photography, but the thrill of catching a moment in time with an action photo is what the thrill is. You can retake land scape photography over and over. The sunsets and rises ever day. So if you mess up wait another day. But there is only one chance that the winner will cross the finish line, or to be able to catch a close up of the drivers eyes right in the middle of a turn is the thrill for me.
I’m planning on a race weekend in 5 weekends. I may even buy a new camera for the event. So although i didn’t take any photos, I worked on the past time.
In my dream list I have, to go to more motorsport events in the US, and around the world. I’m going to save money and start living my dream.
My positive thing for today: I called my best friend on the phone. It seemed like she needed it. Plus hearing her voice was nice.
I have a few :) I love to listen to music, that’s a big one. I also like to play music – piano and flute mostly although I also play a little bit of viola and guitar. Reading, spending time with my friends just chatting, learning new things… and then there are the things that make me feel calm and centred. Reading old journals, looking at old photos, crocheting and meditating are some of those. I also love cooking and baking. And, more surprisingly, cleaning, clearing old stuff out, and getting organised :)
Today, I’ve already spent some time at the bar on campus with some of my fellow linguistics PhD students, which was lovely. It’s great spending time with them, talking about our research and sharing ideas :) This evening, I think I’ll combine some of the above by tidying my room, putting on some music then settling down with my crochet project. I need a bit of a quiet evening – we’ve had friends staying with us this week and while I love seeing them (and they don’t need constant entertainment!) I could really do with a bit of time to myself.
One positive thing about my day was that the writing I need to submit next Friday is all ready to go! I’ll proofread it once more this weekend, then I’ll submit it on Monday. Also, like I said, I had a lovely time at the bar with friends, and lots of hugs from my boyfriend when I got home :)
I’m definitely guilty of reading my old journals from time to time. I really love to check back in and do that–glad I’m not the only one! It kind of feels like a guilty pleasure to me.
:) Why guilty? I love to look back and take stock – it helps me see how much I’ve changed, and also it’s a perfect way to relive happy memories! I certainly don’t think it’s anything to feel guilty about (unless, of course, I’m procrastinating by doing it ;))
Christina,
You are definitely not the only one who goes back to check out what was said in older writings…I feel like Squiggle in that it is a great way to “take stock.”
And ohhh my, the older writing clearly show how my perspective on life, people, and things has changed in some areas, Bigtime!
That I can change is the best news! Gives me great hope for things getting better and better, as I work on self-esteem, goals, etc.
I also love to enjoy the good memories! :heart:
So let’s just enjoy our older writings, see the growth, and keep growing, shall we? :D
P.S. In my post today, I wrote all about writing and doing that really helped me see some things in a new way. Did you see it?
Thanks for making me feel better about it, guys! :) I guess I feel guilty about it, because I use journal writing to wallow and vent–not really to document the good stuff. So when I go back and read old stuff, it’s slightly embaressing, but it *does* help me take stock. I do love my old writings no matter what. And yes, Bette, I did see your post–writing really helps me a lot too! Thanks for sharing! :)
Hi Squiggle,
I do the same thing with reading old journals (and I have diaries and journals from age 9 onwards)….have countless dozens of them, (sometimes with inserted memorabilia, drawings, photos). And looking at old photos, oh yeah, that too…verrry fun to enjoy that as well. AND…I also love clearing out stuff, cleaning, and organizing too! I haven’t heard that combination bfore, and these things are so enjoyable. Clear out what is no longer needed, and learn from writings, enjoy the best memories! Oh, and learning new things, meditating, (sewing)…me too, again! Finally, these things also make me fell calm and centered.
Hey, who’s writing this post anyway! :lol:
I wrote a long post today on writing, what the process of writing is for me, I wonder what your thoughts might be…
Good luck with your submitting your writing on Monday and all that entails…wonder what you’re writing about?
Anyway, just thought I’d share something here, since I related to so much you said!
:hug:
Hope you and your Squiggle self have a very relaxing weekend! :D
Hi Bette,
Thank you for your lovely comment :) I read your post on writing and strongly identified with it. I find it very cathartic – a form of therapy, almost – and it certainly helps me to clear my mind and get things into perspective.
The writing that I’m just about to submit is a ‘sample’ of writing for my PhD. I’m nearing the end of my first year and we have to submit around 8000 words this week, just to make sure we’re on the right track. My supervisor and I are both happy with it, so it should be fine :) I’m researching how learners of English as a second language learn and use non-literal language.
Have a lovely week, Bette, and all the best :hug:
Hi Squiggle,
Great to hear from you! :D
This challenge has flown by, hasn’t it! The process i go through during/after a challenge is amazing…much growth and insight! :D
All the best with you 8000 words, and all those that follow!!! :dance:
I’m sure you will do just Great!!!
:heart:
It really has flown by, you’re right :( But I agree with you, these challenges are so wonderful for growth. I did the Fitness challenge back in January and am still keeping up with the habits I formed then. And I think this challenge has really changed the way I see the world, for the better :)
What is Your Favorite Pastime? And Why?
In fact, I always tell people that my favourite pastime is sleeping. I enjoy sleeping a lot, so whenever I have a chance, I will sleep. For example, after I have completely prepared to go to work, and I see that it is still early, I will just sit in the living room and sleep. Since I can fall into sleep within 5 minutes, so it is not a problem for me to even sleep for 5 or 10 minutes. I feel satisfaction, still.
Of course, besides sleeping, I love drawing, writing, playing zither, swimming, learn new things, etc. I would say, most of my favorite pastime are all done alone. I love to stay alone in my room, or do anything alone, enjoying my own sweet time.
==============================================================================
Spend at least 10 minutes on your pastime today.
Everyday, I spent around 15 minutes in writing my life log about what I have done, what I heard, what I thought, what I saw in the whole day. Most of the time, I jot it down immediately, unless while I’m working / driving. Thus, I usually carry my lifr log notebook together with me.
==============================================================================
Identify at least one positive thing about your day.
I just completed re-arranging my excel file data in calculating the students’ marks as I implemented another evaluation system to their assignment marks. (I’m an evil lecturer, always think of ways for not giving out the marks to students so easily… Hehehe…) With that, I learned how to write VBA code in the excel file now. ^^ It is not hard, just that I have never thought of writing code in the excel file. As long as I can complete the queries by using formulas, I will choose to use the formulas instead of writing VBA code.
I have a ‘life log’ too! I don’t tend to go into many details about my day, just what I did, how I felt and anything particularly special or unusual about the day, but it’s lovely to look back on.
Recently, I had to learn how to do some formulae programming in Excel too. I got such a sense of achievement when I finally understood everything and it all worked! It wasn’t VBA, though. I’m not very good with Excel but at least now I know how to do what I need to :)
Hi Sarah, I learned Excel formulas only when I started to work. Now, I teach Excel in my college for the certificate students too, so I learned a lot more from the formulas. Basically, the formulas can make the Excel file to be a simple system without coding in VBA. ^^
I love sleeping too! Most people really don’t realize how important and restorative it is :)
Hi Christina, yes! Good quality of sleep can be one of the reason to have healthy body too! ^^
(I just wake up from a nap… Hehe)
My favorite activities are writing and organizing. Sometimes I enjoy editing more than writing original work, because it taps into my enjoyment of organizing. I re-organize and improve other written works easily, and I have a chance to do this at work alot. I am considered to e the “resident writer”. Everyone brings me their papers to edit. (And I LOVE that.) Whenever I copy a blog or an article for future reference, I edit it first, before storing it on my computer, or write a summary for my life handbook.
Today I will have an opportunity to write and organize because I am reading some new material, which I plan to summarize in my own words in my life handbook for future reference.
A positive thing about today is that I am sugar free for over 24 hours by choice, and my mind is thinking more clearly than usual. Tomorrow we are going shopping for a dog. I hope the dog will bring me joy. I resisted getting a dog because of all the work and mess. Then I realized that dogs make me smile and laugh (thanks to an earlier question on “What Makes You Smile?”, so I decided it was worth it. My son is so happy.
) Great news about getting a dog! I hope s/he brings you lots of joy, too.
Commenting for this post is closed.