One of the things I find is that by developing and exploring my interests, somehow it improves my ability to connect with others. I also find that they make me a more balanced and present person. By present, I mean someone who’s available at any given time to live in the moment and conduct themselves according to the situation and circumstances at hand. I assume this comes from the satisfaction that comes from having explored the things that have been rolling around your head and gaining some insight sparked by curiosity.
Another consequence I’ve found from pursuing and developing my interests is discipline. But discipline doesn’t just happen. No one ever just falls into discipline. It’s something you have to work at. So, it’s not just the developing of your interests alone, but it’s exploring those interests (for the record, I’m referring to healthy, legal and non-scandalous interests) as often as possible, without shirking all your other various responsibilities, causing the only result to be discipline if you are to continue to enjoy the various things you like to do, ie; doing excellent work because you enjoy eating, and having shelter, all the while watching and playing basketball and developing your technique because you enjoy the science and the physical challenge of the sport.
Lastly, one benefit I enjoy from exploring and development my interests, which is probably the greatest one, I simply enjoy being me. I enjoy the life I have and am grateful that I get to do all these things without remorse or resentment. There’s probably nothing better in life than to enjoy your life, your work, and who God made you to be, and nothing worse than being discontent with who you are as a human being, and who God made you to be, wishing you were someone else. The first is of great benefit to those around you which further perpetuates that joy. The latter is of no benefit to anyone and also causes personal suffering. I’ve been there before, and can easily go there, and that’s no fun at all! Look, even as I’m writing my mind is being flooded with Bible verses about how this works. I recognize that at the speed of life, I have to intentionally stop to reflect and acknowledge what’s happening. Here’s one of the verses that came to mind:
“A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God,” – Ecclesiastes 2:24 (NIV)
What are some of your interests that bring satisfaction and meaning to your life?
Cheers