There are many personality traits and likes that make up a human. Some can be common such as the preference for certain foods or our morning moods. When we look deeper, we start to get more specific and find what makes each human different.
Hobbies are a wonderful way to find a means of expression for our soul. While doing some recent soul-searching of mine, I reverted to a timeless and practical hobby. Woodworking. While I lack the talent and experience, there is a soothing, therapeutic feeling to creating a bond with wood.
In my youth, I found solace in manual labor. At 15, I had built a retaining wall with a shoestring budget and old concrete. Having some previous experience in a woodshop in junior high and high school, I found myself eager to return and have a valuable skill to pass on to others. My quest to fill that hole reminds me of a quote from actor and avid woodworker Nick Offerman "It’s an incredible gift to be able to make your own fun.”
For those of you looking to find a hobby consider this:
1. Embrace what makes you different: Most of you reading this probably still don't let that weird side out enough. There is always a community within your hobby and it helps to find a new brain to pick occasionally.
2. Set achievable goals: There is no sense in starting a project you won't finish and there are few greater joys than finishing one.
3. Get the tools you need: I'm not advising people to go and buy everything at once but always keep your ears to the ground. What one can find at swap meet, estate sales and other avenues can save you a lot of money and headaches.
4. Soak in as much knowledge as possible: There are hundreds of opinions on most everything in this beautiful world. Don't be afraid to try a few and find what works.
5. Share it with loved ones: Even if they're not directly in the process, there is without a doubt that they will support you through the journey.
6. Document your progress: Whatever level you start at, keeping a photographic journal will always be wonderful to look at. It can be satisfying reminiscing of past projects.
7. Don't be afraid to fail: It's life. The best way for us to learn is to not repeat mistakes. Whether that involves cutting dovetails on a box wrong to juggling four bowling pins on the first try, never be afraid to admit failure and try again.
It is our duties as humans to be happy and live up to our potential. Find a hobby, get good at it and share it with the world.
Once a month I will include a new woodworking tip I learned and recently completed project at the end. A circular sander with a vacuum attachment will help keep the sawdust away and make it easier to see the true shape of your work. This month’s project was canoe paddle with a Northwoods grip, Whitewater paddle.
