An age-old adage warns us that "an idler's brain is the devil's workshop," and in my experience, I find profound truth in this saying. When individuals have idle moments with nothing to engage them, negative thoughts and selfish desires can creep in, leading to activities that are detrimental to society. Recognizing the potential dangers of idleness, I made a conscious decision to fill my leisure hours with meaningful pursuits that keep me physically and mentally engaged.
As I spend a considerable portion of my day working in an office, I felt the need to dedicate at least an hour every evening to exercise my body outdoors. Physical fitness has become a priority, so I engage in sports like tennis, volleyball, and swimming twice a week. On the other four evenings, I take long walks along serene lanes, peaceful byways, or the sandy shores of the beach. These daily exercises not only keep me physically fit but also rejuvenate my tired mind, allowing me to face each day with renewed energy.
Stamp collecting has been an enduring passion of mine since my early days. Even during my school years, I earned pocket money by selling my monthly collection of old stamps. This hobby ignited my curiosity, and I delved deeper into the world of stamps, learning about their history and significance. As I matured, my stamp collection grew, and now, during my leisure hours, I devote an hour or more to immerse myself in my stamp albums. This hobby serves as a form of relaxation, allowing me to appreciate the art and cultural representation captured on these small pieces of paper.
Music and reading are two other hobbies that captivate me during my leisure time. I take pleasure in collecting both gramophone records and songbooks. Although I am not a devoted jazz fan, I find myself enjoying some of the latest songs broadcasted by the B.B.C and Radio Ceylon. Reading, however, has been a lifelong passion, transforming me into somewhat of a bookworm. While my peers played cricket and football, I sought refuge under the shade of a tree or in the pavilion, engrossed in the works of Scott, Dickens, Thomas Hardy, and Rider Haggard. Reading has opened the door to a vast treasure trove of knowledge, and as time went on, my interest shifted towards improving my grasp of the English language. I now indulge in abridged editions of famous books by Dickens, Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Charles Dickens, further enhancing my language proficiency.
Gardening is yet another hobby that brings joy and fulfillment to my leisure hours. I consider myself fortunate to own a fertile plot of land, which I tend to with great enthusiasm. Gardening serves both as a form of exercise and a means of saving money on my food bill. On a daily basis, I dedicate time to nurture a variety of vegetables and fruit trees, including plantains, oranges, pears, tomatoes, cabbage, beans, brinjals, and carrots. The act of nurturing plants and watching them grow provides immense satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.
All of these hobbies and activities combined keep me fully absorbed and content during my leisure hours. They not only provide enjoyment but also contribute to my personal growth and well-being. The fear of idleness leading to detrimental choices no longer lingers, as my time is purposefully channeled into meaningful endeavors that enrich my life. In this fast-paced world, it is essential to recognize the value of productive leisure, for it is during these moments that we nourish our passions and unlock the doors to new horizons of knowledge and fulfillment.