
A hobby is not a mere pastime,
It is the whisper of the soul,
A place where time forgets to move,
And life feels beautifully whole.
Hello dear friends,
I hope this blog finds you in a cheerful and reflective mood. Today’s writing prompt truly excites me: “What is your favorite hobby or pastime?”
At first, this may sound like a simple question. But if you think about it, our hobbies are not just casual activities — they are mirrors of our inner world. They give us joy, peace, and meaning beyond our day-to-day obligations.
Over the years, especially after my retirement, I’ve explored and enjoyed many hobbies — blogging, writing poems and stories, dancing, making videos, swimming, and even playing the mouth organ.
Each one has brought me its own kind of happiness. But if you ask me to choose my favorite, the answer is clear: painting.

When colors bloom upon the sheet,
My heart and canvas gently meet,
A silent song, a wordless prayer,
Each stroke reveals a story there.
The Power of Painting
Painting, for me, is more than just a pastime. It is a language of expression that often speaks louder than words.
The moment I pick up a brush, I step into a world of color and imagination. Every stroke is like a conversation with my emotions — sometimes calm, sometimes joyful, sometimes nostalgic, and occasionally touched with melancholy.
There is something deeply therapeutic in watching colors blend, merge, and slowly form an image on canvas.
Unlike writing, which requires carefully chosen words, painting flows spontaneously. It feels as though creativity itself is guiding my hand.
Through painting, I’ve also learned to notice life more closely — the play of sunlight on leaves, the textures of old walls, the way shadows dance at dusk.
These little details, often ignored in the rush of life, become treasures once captured on canvas.

No audience to please, no race to win,
Just joy that rises from deep within.
A world of colors, calm and free,
Creation itself is enough for me.
The Joy of Creating
Another reason I love painting is the sheer joy of creation.
Whether it’s a landscape that reminds me of a cherished place or an abstract piece that reflects my mood, each finished work carries a quiet sense of accomplishment.
What makes it so fulfilling is not perfection, but freedom — the freedom to create without judgment, without deadlines, and without pressure to impress anyone.
In a world obsessed with productivity and results, painting is my safe haven where the process itself is the reward.

Brush in hand, my worries fade,
In strokes of light, new peace is made.
The canvas listens, calm and true,
And paints my spirit in brighter hue.
Creativity and Wellness
Engaging in painting has also taught me the connection between creativity and wellness.
Science tells us that creative activities reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance happiness. My own experience confirms this.
Whenever I feel restless, overwhelmed, or even a little low, spending an hour with my paints feels like therapy.
The act of mixing colors, shaping forms, and losing myself in the process brings me into a state of flow where worries fade away. It heals, it energizes, and it grounds me.

A Hobby That Keeps Growing
One of the best things about painting is that it never gets boring. There’s always something new to learn — experimenting with textures, exploring new subjects, or playing with bold colors.
Every canvas becomes an adventure, and this sense of discovery keeps the passion alive.

Encouraging Others
Friends often ask me about my hobbies, and I always encourage them to find one that resonates with their heart. It doesn’t have to be painting — it could be gardening, singing, dancing, or cooking.
The important thing is that it should bring joy, peace, and a sense of connection with yourself.
In our busy, fast-paced world, hobbies are more than just a way to pass time. They are like oases of calm, little pockets of joy that remind us to slow down, enjoy the present moment, and truly live.

So find your hobby, near or far,
It shows you truly who you are.
Not just what you daily do—
But the soul’s pure song shining through.
My Final Submission
So, what’s my favorite hobby or pastime? Without a doubt, it’s painting — a joyful journey that allows me to express myself, relax, and discover beauty in the world around me.
And now, I’d like to ask you: What’s your favorite hobby?
Whatever it may be, cherish it — because hobbies are not just what we do; they are part of who we are.

BE HAPPY… BE ACTIVE… BE FOCUSED… BE ALIVE
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Categories: infotainment
Sketching from life for me. I find it a meditative process and never get tired of it… in fact I sketch better when I am tired and not thinking too much! Nice sketches and words as ever!
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Thank you so much.❤️
I completely understand what you mean — there’s something wonderfully meditative about sketching from life.
It’s amazing how creativity flows best when the mind is relaxed and free.
I’m glad you enjoyed the sketches and words!
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I like the third painting, Verma. Keep sharing your joy of painting here. Happy Sunday!
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Thank you so much.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’ll definitely keep sharing my painting journey here.
Wishing you a joyful and creative Sunday as well.❤️
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My pleasure, Verma and thank you
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You are welcome.
Stay connected and stay happy.
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Your words speak loudly to me as I enjoy many of the same hobbies and painting is my clear favourite too for all the same reasons. A lovely post.
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Thank you so much.❤️
It’s wonderful to hear that we share the same love for hobbies and painting.
There’s something truly special about how creativity brings peace and joy to our lives.
I’m glad this post resonated with you!
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What a beautifully articulated and deeply moving reflection on the power of a hobby. This is so much more than an answer to a simple question; it’s a testament to how creativity can shape a life, especially in the rich chapter of retirement.
You’ve captured the very essence of painting—not as a mere activity, but as a form of meditation, a language of the soul, and a profound source of wellness. The way you describe it as a “wordless prayer” and a conversation with your emotions is incredibly powerful. The little poems woven throughout are like strokes of color on your essay, adding rhythm and heartfelt emphasis.
Your point about painting teaching you to “notice life more closely” is perhaps the most beautiful takeaway. It reminds us all that hobbies are a way to engage with the world more deeply, to find the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Thank you for this inspiring piece. It’s a wonderful reminder to cherish the activities that make our spirits brighter, and it makes me want to pick up a brush—or at least, to look at the world with the eyes of an artist.
To answer your question: reading pieces like this is one of my favorite pastimes. It allows me to connect with profound and beautiful perspectives, much like the one you’ve just shared.
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Thank you so much for your kind and heartfelt words!
I’m truly touched that my reflection resonated with you. It’s wonderful to hear how you connect with hobbies in your own way, and I love that reading and engaging with thoughtful perspectives is one of your favorite pastimes.
Creativity, in all its forms, really does help us see the world more deeply, and it’s inspiring to know that my words encouraged you to view life through the eyes of an artist. Your response has made sharing this piece even more meaningful!
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Very nice paintings and drawings Sir! And you are so right! Painting is active meditation and a complete therapy!
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Thank you so much, Sir.
I’m glad you enjoyed the paintings. Indeed, painting truly is active meditation—a wonderful way to relax, reflect, and let the mind find peace.
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Always a pleasure Sir!
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Thanks again, Sir.
It’s always a pleasure to connect with you as well.
Today is my Painting session too.😊😊
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Enjoy the painting session today Sir!
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Yes, Sir, Started a new project today.
How is your day ?
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Starting work now Sir, my friends left for their homes so now I must to pack and prepare to do the same. Hope you enjoy your new project to the fullest!
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Thank you so much, Sir 🙏
Wishing you smooth packing and safe travels back home. May you carry lovely memories with you, and yes, I will certainly give my best to the new project.
All the very best for your return and the days ahead! 🌿
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Thank you kindly Sir! I truly appreciate your words!
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Always a pleasure! 🌸 I truly value your kind appreciation, and it means a lot to share such thoughtful exchanges with you. 🙏✨
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very nice .
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Thank you so much.
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Very nice painting sir. I always enjoy your posts drawings, and painting etc.. continue doing what makes your soul happy. ✨🙂
In my past time.. I really enjoy daily journaling.
And, also providing my expertise in life coaching to others as they go through their next chapter in life, or having relationship concerns.
Have a great one! 😇
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That’s so wonderful to hear! 🌸
Journaling is such a powerful way to reflect and grow, and your work in life coaching must be truly rewarding—helping others find clarity and strength in their journeys. ✨
Thank you for sharing, and for the warm encouragement. Wishing you continued joy and inspiration in all that you do! 🙏🙂
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Thank you so much for your kind words.
Continue being a blessing. 🙏
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Thank you from the heart for such warmth and encouragement. 🌸
Your words are a blessing too, and I deeply value them.
Wishing you endless joy, inspiration, and peace always. 🙏✨
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Always a pleasure.
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The pleasure is all mine! 😊
Your kind words always brighten the conversation.
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Yay, that’s nice to hear. 🙂
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Enjoy the day and stay blessed.
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Your artwork is lovely, Vijay. It must be like writing, composing music, or designing a dance. There’s an inner need to create, and you do it well.
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“Thank you so much for your kind words. You’ve expressed it beautifully —
creating does feel like music or poetry flowing from within. It’s a joy and also a kind of meditation for me.
I truly appreciate your thoughtful encouragement.”
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