Hmmm. Should a hobby be productive? The dictionary tells me it's an activity engaged in primarily for pleasure, or a pastime. If we go with that definition, sudoku and solitaire count. But I'm of the mind that time is a gift. Every day is precious, and when I have leisure time for a hobby, I do want it to be meaningful. How can I get there from here?

The reasons people participate in a hobby are as varied as the activities themselves. You might think about your reasons. Do you just need to relax? Blow off steam? Is it a way for you to socialize? Do you have a need to compete, with yourself or others? A desire to create beauty? Lots of good motivations here for non-job pursuits. Figure out why you love to rock climb, do leather work, or be on stage. When you do, you may find some ways to make your hobby a truly meaningful part of your life.

If you love to work with your hands, consider the final destination of the wonderful items you create. If you make knick knacks, someone will have to dust them, so try to make sure there's an appreciative someone out there before you crank out twenty-five decorative wall plaques. If you make useful items, you'll perhaps find more willing recipients. I don't like to dust at all, but I do enjoy a quilt to snuggle up in, or a beautiful crock to put my kitchen spoons in.

You can give away your creations far beyond family and friends. Women's shelters, schools, and various charities would be thrilled to have you donate beautiful, useful items. Ask what their clients need...maybe it's something you love to make or grow! Community service groups are also always looking for ways to fund their work. You could donate a particularly successful item you've made to a silent auction or raffle-type fund raiser. Any Lions Club, volunteer fire department, school booster club, or youth group would be grateful.

Social, experiential hobbies such as community choirs or instrumental groups, amateur theatre, and sports teams, can lead to wonderful friendships, aside from the joy of participating in the creation of a huge piece of glorious sound or exciting entertainment. You're likely to meet people you'd never otherwise cross paths with. If you pay attention, you may very well find a shy person you can make feel more comfortable, or a beginner you can take under your wing, sharing your experience and knowledge. Sometimes young people gravitate to such groups, in hopes of finding acceptance that they can't find elsewhere. You can help make sure that they're welcomed and nurtured.

Consider also teaching your hobby to others. Start with your own kids, maybe. Boys' and girls' clubs, scout troops, church youth groups and 4-H clubs are always in need of generous adults to share what they know with young people. It's grand fun being the expert, and volunteers are usually shown much appreciation in these groups. Think about it some, and your hobby can truly enrich your life, and the lives of others.