The Spark
A little bit of me-time these days has become scarce.
The recent Ramadan schedule was a hectic one. There are days when I worked even 16-18 hours, with breaks only for iftar or dinner. Yet, I still tackled it well I'd say. And it's not like I wasn't expecting all this pressure; I took up all this responsibility knowing I could handle it. I decided to be in a next-level grind mode when it was my turn to be present.
I don't usually let go of opportunities, especially since I've been allowed to work with people I respect and love; they make every work day, a good day. The only exception is when it comes to handling annoying clients haha.
Hey! I didn't say it was all perfect, all sunshine and rainbows...
Fortunately, the businesses I'm invested in, I'm quite passionate about the products, categories, and crafts we specialize in. Sure, I'm keeping myself busy, but I also like it 80% of the time; since I'm working with my people, and building something that could one day make a difference. I am lucky regarding my work life, investments, and income sources. If I was not as "lucky" then by now I would've turned into a walking and talking zombie.
The last two days, however, I got some much-needed rest. Now, we're back in business again.
It's a simple philosophy that I believe in.
"Play with passion, or don't play at all..."
If in the morning you don't wake up all ready and pumped to tackle your tasks, then there's simply a lack of passion there.
And...
life is too short to not do what you love...
It's not like you have to be at 100% every day, more ready than ever than anyone else, but there has to be a spark, one that at least is enough to get you going. So that you at least begin the day with a smile and a positive outlook.
So, even with the absence of my hobbies, I'm keeping up quite well.
As they say, a person is never truly happy without hobbies...
Yet, I believe sometimes you can love something and slowly turn it into a hobby if you just give it some time; even if it is something that you once disregarded or disliked. Take me as an example, a guy who never really liked writing essays or reading much back in school and during my educational life. But, here I am writing big blogs of different kinds now and then, regularly.
This remains a hobby, I don't see myself making a living from Hive, or any platform online. It's not my thing. Maybe if I did TikTok dances I'd have a better chance of making some "good money", but I'm not much of a dancer, nor can I make goofy faces.
Now, about my line of work, is it truly because of the craft and interest for which I'm here, or is it necessity?
Because just 2 years ago or so, I didn't have much work, not a lot of opportunities came my way, and my family and I were struggling to pay the bills. Even though we are doing quite alright at the moment, I believe that the urge to change things for the better, remains somewhere, hidden inside. So that we never have to go back and experience what we've gone through during that time, back in 2021/2022.
Whenever I get the "free time" nowadays, I put it into making an extra few bucks, or at least learning about something that may assist me in my current endeavors.
Necessity has toppled my hobbies and the means of having fun; yet, again, I say that I'm fortunate to be working in a space and niche where I fit in and don't mind putting in the extra hours. And not many can say that you know, and I don't take it for granted.
So, I'd rather "sacrifice" some of my hobbies and take the extra time I have, and then invest it in doing something productive instead. That's where the spark is for me, in trying to make a difference and to change our lives for the better.
I know it's worth it. Because I can do it with 4 to 5 hours of sleep, and no food; yet, for how long can I keep going though?
I feel you should reduce your working hours
Working 16-18hrs a day is a lot…
I have already, due to Eid Holidays, but sooner or later I'll have to get back to those hours. It's crazy, I know, but someone has to get it done.