You always wanted to learn pottery, but never had the time. However, seeing your colleague make time for her dance classes despite a gruelling schedule, has inspired you too. Making time to learn a hobby, it could be painting, blogging, or learning to play an instrument or a new dance form has found “official” takers.
Some busy professionals have realised it’s now or never and are taking time out of their hectic schedules to pamper their heart and rejuvenate their soul.
Shares Lakshmi Ajay, a media professional, “I have been learning Kathak for the past two years, despite my erratic work timings. One has to take out time, and this is about my passion — dance. Early morning is the best time to attend my class. My biggest regret was not being able to continue Bharatnatyam post Class 10 when I migrated to Bengaluru for graduation. I want to be associated with some form of dance throughout my life and Kathak is a more fluid form among our classical dance forms, thereby open to interpretation. Moreover, our guru is very understanding as most of her students are working professionals. We recently performed as well, adding a contemporary touch to Kathak.”
Marketing professional by day and avid blogger by night, Mayur Pathak, has come a long way from the time his friend introduced him to blogging. With more than 200 followers, Mayur says it has become an intrinsic part of his life. “When I started out, I’d write anything that I fancied. From that, I progressed to love stories and I even contemplated a novel, anyhow, I’ve written 20 love stories and as I could not find a right publisher, I have converted them into an e-blog,” he reveals.
Time constraints can vary, for many, it could be families or other commitments that don’t allow them to take out time for themselves. But as they say, where there’s a will, there’s a way. Priti Srivastava, public relations manager, has beautifully chalked out her schedule. “My parents live in a different city, but they have always encouraged me to utilise my time well, so besides sketching and painting, I’ve been learning guitar for two years now. Learning a string instrument requires immense concentration, and I am proud to share that it has helped me a lot in my professional sphere. I have become a careful listener and in my field it’s an asset,” she adds.
Agrees IT professional Satyajeet Rastogi, who joined Landmark Forum for self-help when he was just a student. “I joined it to boost my confidence and it helped me overcome my fear of talking to people. Now, I’ve been working for more than three years, and do not want to leave it. I take out time after work to attend the sessions,” he says.