Accessible Hobbies- Update On My Current Hobbies

Ever since my hospitalization, I have taken a different mindset toward my hobbies. I am now spending more time outside, in classes, and forming a new community. This week, I want to give an update on the hobbies I have been doing and share ways I keep accessibility in mind.

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1: Running

The joke now is that I need another thing to talk about a new thing because I've been running. The most I've ever run without stopping is 13.1 miles. The most I have ever walked in one day is 17 miles. I try to walk a half marathon at least once a week while I have the time. In total, I try to do some cardio 3-4 times a week. I now have a running vest (that is now too big; I might need a new one), soft water bottles, a Garmin watch I love, a new running watch band from my boyfriend that makes the sensory sensation of wearing a watch tolerable, new running shoes that are actually the correct size for running that solve my foot injury issues, and a lot more active wear. I love running outside whenever I can; it is meditative for me. I have now made it to most of the town I live in, with the exception of one freeway exit the farthest from my house. Having a sport I love where I can set goals with my body, instead of feeling like I am fighting my body, has helped me heal my relationship with my body and HSP. I do have to be mindful of my body, Crohn's, gut health, stretches, and hormones, but I am learning to listen to my body in a healthy way to avoid injury. Because I have Crohn's, a small bladder, and limited space in my water bottles, I do know the location of all of the Starbucks, Planet Fitness, and other stores with bathrooms near me.

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2: Workout Classes

I take three workout classes at my wellness center. One is full-body weight training, one is core strengthening and pelvic floor toning, and one is posture, balance, and stance. I love having a fitness community (stay tuned for a podcast I was a guest on with one of the people in my class; I'm not sure when that comes out. Pre-emptively, I will say I do, in fact, wear sunscreen when I run despite what I say in the podcast). I am not a morning person, but two of these classes are at 9am, and I've been going consistently now for a few months. I know the classes work because new weights have had to be ordered because we all outgrew the current ones. I don't think I've ever been this strong or enjoyed working out this much. I did 100 crunches the other day; I don't think you could have paid me to do that back in high school. I am really hoping that I can keep doing these classes even as I transition out of being a student, but that is a while away. I make the classes accessible by asking for modifications when I need them, and adapting weights as needed. I have a hard time with lunges, and am loving the core exercises.

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3: Pottery

I take pottery classes once a week. For my first round of classes, I made a "mug" and three bowls. I just started my second class and have already started three bowls, so I am getting better. Are the bowls good? Questionable. But I did make them (with help and encouragement from the pottery instructors). For the first few classes, I did not think pottery was for me. I felt ignored and behind. I have a visual/spacial learning disability, so I was not able to follow along with the instructions, and I wasn't able to get the help I needed, so I would leave each class confused. Then they hired Colin, who now teaches the class I am currently taking. I gave him my ramble about how I learn, and that I was lost, and he worked with me to find ways to explain it to me in a way I can feel it, rather than using visual or audio cues. I just successfully centered by myself and threw a bowl completely by myself! I am slowly falling in love with making bowls. My issue is I am also starting to have too many bowls (don't worry Grandma and Grammy, you will get a bowl). I make this accessible by strength training to be able to work on the wheel, sitting whenever possible, and communicating my learning needs.

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4: Reiki

I recently came back from Reiki Camp 2! I can now do distance Reiki and learned a few other symbols that you can only learn after getting the second attunement. I love the community I've made so far from these camps, how connected I am to nature while I'm there, and how I feel when I leave. I now feel confident offering Reiki, so if that is something you want, please reach out! I have one more camp in October, and I am already so excited. I linked the website of the Reiki teacher I am using, who is absolutely amazing, but there are other Reiki teachers as well. I made the training accessible by communicating my dietary needs for meals, using chairs whenever possible, and taking time to wander outside whenever I needed a break. Reiki itself is adaptable to each person who uses it, so I make sure I am checking in with myself whenever I am using it to make sure I am comfortable and calm.

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5: Resting

Now that my schedule is more hectic with hobbies, appointments, and my new fellowship I'm starting this month, I am taking more intentional time to rest. I've been playing board games with my family, watching movies with my partner (I am finally watching Star Wars; I don't know why I keep not recognizing Luke Skywalker, but this must be a me issue), meeting up with friends, and on the rare occasion, reading a book or playing a video game. I am bad at resting, I've been enjoying how much I have been able to do because 7 months ago I couldn't walk the length of my house without needing to sit down halfway through. But, I know I need to find balance in order to maintain my physical and mental health. If anyone has any hobbies they like that involve sitting and don't involve my phone, let me know!

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Thank you for reading about an update on my hobbies and how I adapt them for my accessibility needs. If you have any questions or comments, please comment on the blog, reach out at @Anniekrollblog on Instagram or Facebook, or email me at Anniekrollblog@gmail.com. I hope to see you next week!