Staying Strong

Lincoln was known for his love of reading and his extensive personal library, which he often used to educate himself on a variety of topics. However, he was also known for his absent-mindedness and tendency to get lost in thought.

Legend has it that one day, Lincoln was reading a book while riding on horseback. He became so engrossed in the book that he failed to notice his surroundings and rode right past his destination. When he finally looked up from the book, he realized that he had gone several miles past where he intended to go.

Embarrassed by his mistake, Lincoln turned his horse around and rode back to his destination, but not before making a joke about his absent-mindedness. He reportedly said, "I have often wondered whether some of the good people who come to see me in Washington think I have nothing to do but listen to stories. Now, you know better; for I have a book with me all the time.»

Despite his occasional absent-mindedness, Lincoln was a voracious reader and a highly intelligent individual. His love of reading played a key role in his education and his ability to lead the United States during one of its most challenging periods in history.

• Painting or drawing:

Engaging in a creative activity like painting or drawing can be very therapeutic and help you relax.

Painting or drawing can be a great hobby for those who enjoy expressing themselves visually. Here are some ways you can start painting or drawing as a hobby:

? Start with the basics: If you're new to painting or drawing, start with the basics. Learn about different brushes, paints, and techniques, and practice creating simple shapes and lines. As you become more comfortable with the basics, you can start experimenting with more complex compositions.

? Get the right materials: To get started with painting or drawing, you'll need some basic materials like paint brushes, paint or pencils, sketch pads, and erasers. You don't need to invest in expensive supplies to get started, but make sure to get materials that are of good quality.

? Take a class: Taking a painting or drawing class can be a great way to learn the basics and get inspired. You can also meet other people who share your interests.

? Set aside time for your hobby: Just like with any other hobby, it's important to set aside time for painting or drawing. Decide how often you want to practice, and create a schedule that works for you. Even just 15-30 minutes a day can make a big difference.

? Practice regularly: Like any other skill, painting and drawing require practice. Set aside some time each week to work on your art.

? Experiment with different styles and techniques: There are many different styles and techniques you can use in painting and drawing. Don't be afraid to try new things and see what works for you. There are many different styles of painting and drawing, from realistic to abstract. Try experimenting with different styles to see what you enjoy the most. You might find that you have a natural affinity for a particular style.

? Share your work: Sharing your work with others can be a great way to get feedback and encouragement. You can also join online communities or local art groups to connect with other artists.

Painting and drawing are hobbies, so don't put too much pressure on yourself to be perfect. Just have fun and enjoy the process of creating something unique and beautiful.

"I dream my painting and I paint my dream.» – Vincent Van Gogh

This quote is often attributed to the famous Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. It reflects his deeply personal and emotional approach to art, where he would create paintings that were not mere representations of reality, but rather expressions of his own inner world and imagination.

For van Gogh, painting was a way of capturing the essence of his dreams and emotions, and translating them onto the canvas. He believed that art should come from the heart, and that the artist's job was to communicate his or her feelings through the medium of painting.

This quote has since become a popular mantra for artists and creatives of all kinds, as it speaks to the importance of imagination, creativity, and the power of dreams in the artistic process. It encourages artists to tap into their innermost thoughts and feelings, and to use their art as a means of self-expression and communication.

• Playing music:

Whether you're a professional musician or just enjoy playing an instrument for fun, music can be a great stress-reliever. Playing music can be a hobby in several ways:

?Learning to play an instrument: Whether it's the guitar, piano, drums or any other instrument, learning to play a musical instrument can be a great hobby. You can take classes or even teach yourself using online resources.

? Singing: Singing is also a great hobby and can be done alone or with others. You can join a choir, karaoke group or simply sing in the shower.

?Creating music: If you have some knowledge of music theory, you can start creating your own music. There are several software programs and apps available that allow you to create music using your computer or mobile device.

?Playing in a band: If you want to take your music hobby to the next level, you can join a band or start your own. Playing in a band can be a fun and rewarding experience, allowing you to connect with others who share your passion for music.

?Attending concerts: Another way to enjoy music as a hobby is to attend concerts and festivals. This allows you to listen to live music, discover new artists and meet other music lovers.

"Without music, life would be a mistake." – Friedrich Nietzsche

This quote is attributed to German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche and is often interpreted to mean that music is an essential part of life and without it, life would be incomplete or unfulfilled. Nietzsche was known for his philosophical writings on a variety of topics, and this quote speaks to the importance of music in human experience. Music has the power to inspire, evoke emotions, and connect people across cultures and time periods.

• Yoga: Yoga is a great way to improve your flexibility, strength, and balance, while also reducing stress and improving your mental health.

Yoga can be a great hobby for both physical and mental health. Here are some tips on how to make yoga a hobby:

? Find a yoga class or instructor that you enjoy: This could be a class at a yoga studio or community center, or an online instructor. Make sure the class or instructor's teaching style and approach align with your personal preferences.

? Set aside dedicated time for yoga: Make a regular schedule to practice yoga, even if it's just 15-20 minutes a day. Consistency is key when developing a new hobby.

?Experiment with different styles of yoga: There are many different styles of yoga, such as Hatha, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga. Try out different styles to find what resonates with you and your body.

?Invest in quality yoga equipment: Having a good yoga mat and any necessary props, such as blocks or straps, can make your yoga practice more enjoyable and comfortable.

?Join a yoga community: Connect with others who share your love for yoga by joining a local yoga group or online community. You can exchange tips and support each other in your practice.

Remember, yoga is a personal practice, so don't compare yourself to others or feel pressured to perform perfectly. The most important thing is to listen to your body and practice yoga in a way that feels good for you.

• Cooking: Cooking can be a fun and creative way to reduce stress, while also creating delicious and healthy meals.

Cooking can be a wonderful hobby that not only helps to relieve stress but also allows you to explore your creativity and indulge in delicious food. Here are some tips for making cooking a fun and relaxing hobby:

? Start with simple recipes: If you're new to cooking, start with simple recipes that don't require too many ingredients or complicated techniques. As you become more confident, you can move on to more challenging recipes.

? Experiment with different cuisines: Try cooking dishes from different cuisines and cultures to expand your culinary horizons. You could try making Italian pasta, Indian curries, Chinese stir-fries, or Mexican tacos.

?Cook with friends or family: Cooking can be a social activity, so consider inviting friends or family over to cook together. You could even organize a cooking competition or potluck dinner party.

? Use fresh and quality ingredients: Good ingredients can make all the difference in the taste of your dishes, so try to use fresh and high-quality ingredients whenever possible.

?Get creative with presentation: Cooking is not just about the taste, but also about the presentation. Try to make your dishes look visually appealing by using colorful ingredients and arranging them in an attractive way.

? Join a cooking class or group: Joining a cooking class or group can be a great way to learn new techniques, meet new people who share your interests, and get inspired by others' creations.

"Cooking is like love, it should be entered into with abandon or not at all." – Harriet van Horne

This quote is attributed to Harriet Van Horne, an American newspaper columnist and critic known for her wit and humor. The quote suggests that cooking, like love, requires a passionate and wholehearted approach. It implies that in order to truly enjoy and appreciate the process of cooking and to create delicious and satisfying meals, one must be fully invested and engaged in the act of cooking. The quote also suggests that half-hearted attempts at cooking may not yield desirable results and could be a waste of time and effort.

• Playing sports:

Whether it's a team sport or an individual activity like tennis or swimming, playing sports can be a great way to get exercise and reduce stress. Playing a sport can be a hobby by regularly engaging in physical activity that you enjoy, whether it's an individual or team sport. Here are some tips to help turn playing a sport into a hobby:

? Choose a sport you enjoy: Select a sport that you find fun and enjoyable. This way, you'll look forward to playing it regularly.

? Join a club or team: Find a local club or team that plays the sport you're interested in. This will allow you to meet other people who share your passion for the sport and provide you with opportunities to play regularly.