I used to be a part of a team that played league cricket back in the early 90s in Hyderabad. We were on this losing streak of almost 20 odd matches. Then one fine day, while our batting was again in the dumps this friend of mine came in at No. 5, smashed a century and we won the game. Felt as if we won the World Cup.
It’s not about the match that we’re discussing. It’s about this friend of mine. He kept wickets for the team, batted well and also could roll his arm over, whenever required. A utility cricketer.
Cricket used to be our beer and whiskey in those days. Life was carefree and we were our own masters (with empty pockets, of course).
What used to be our daily routine, slowly started to turn into a weekend game. It then became a once in a month match, we played with our seniors at college. Slowly, we graduated to watching cricket on television and now we are at a stage where we can, at best, check the latest score on our mobile phones or participate in mindless cafeteria discussions on ‘why did Dhoni give Jadeja the last over to bowl’ …..
I am in no way trying to insinuate that we go back to playing cricket full time. Most of us have a family that depends on us and for some people even their extended family depends on them.
Am trying to divert your attention to that hobby you had. That scrap book you maintained, those coins or stamps you collected as a kid, that sport you played while at school or college, those long rides on bikes that you took along with friends, that camping trip you liked to go to with your buddies, those poems you wrote, that painting you created which fetched you accolades from everyone or those bulging biceps you had as a part of your fitness regimen …. Could be anything
Most of us would agree that winning the World Cup in 2011 bought a much larger smile on our faces that achieving that monthly target, we pushed our teams for. Discussing the last boys trip to Munnar (back in 2001) lights my buddies up much more than the last increment they earned.
Most of us ended up trading our cricketing whites for a business suit and now are a part of the rat race. But while we are at it, how about going back to do something that gave us no monetary returns but a few moments of real joy, bliss and satisfaction?
Why not start that today? Dust off that old guitar you had and strum some notes, check your shoe rack for that old pair of jogging shoes and venture out. Get that camera out, go outdoors and take some snaps of what nature has to offer.
With 2013 ringing in, it’s probably a good time to leave that roller-coaster of the last year behind and give your hobby another shot.
Am going to give my best at physical fitness.
How about you?
Agree 100%! Very well expressed! Great going!
ReplyDeleteI can associate with my interest in drawing/painting. Started all over again a couple years back and it brougth the 'joy'!
Well written Sanjeev. Strikes a chord and could not agree more on what you have said. I remember an old man with whom I used to play tennis ( as a kid).He always used to prod menever to quit the game at any time. I once jokingly (and kind of inquisitively) told him I was never going to make it at Wimbledon and so what was the point continuing, for which his simple response was 'at least you won't catch cold'
ReplyDeletewell asriten sanjeev back tobasics as we call it - never let your hobbies die - infact i often quote that a person who patronises his hobby to make money is a true winner . but sanjeev we all graduate and we look for newer hobbies - look at how you can payback to society with your hobbies. look at the new age generationwhat hobbies do they have boloto ... nothing ,they are senseless. Well let me tell you they are much more talented than we were - they have exposure to back them and start new hobbies . We need to change look for more non monetary hobbies and keep at them for the long run . Cheers and happy writing .
ReplyDeleteGreat piece. From the heart and touching too. We all are too clued with the rut, that we have just about forgot that there was a possibility with all of us to be some body who could do what one likes doing. But many of us were told and we also believed that we cant do what v would like doing and still earn ones livelyhood. Todays kids have the balls to do what they want to do and they wouldnt care about others/ wellwishers. Lets support them and to let them enjoy and discover...
ReplyDeleteAs for us lets not wait till its sunset time from work life to enjoy what we always like to do - I for one will rush to get my pencils, paints and paper..
Sunil Wariar
A very good article .
ReplyDeleteSanjeev, firstly great nostalgic stuff. Well, I am at an age wherein I cant pursue a lot of hobbies (since many of them were outdoors) for the sheer physical exertion that may be required. However, there were a few innate ideas/aspirations that can still be strummed. I for one would like to put my thinking cap on for blogging and ofcourse get all my Engineering books off the shelf to brush up my technical knowhow, as it has been ages since I passed out.
ReplyDeleteCould definitely associate myself to most of what you've written.
ReplyDeleteStarted a few years back on Street Photography and that's now grown to an established Blog about Chennai. One leads to other and the Hobby is now a referral site for many in Chennai & Chennai Nostalgic few....
Wow! Reading this was nostalgic. We did have a life before now, didn't we. Makes you wonder if you have time for yourself these days. Thanks for reminding ... I'm going to pick up what I left years ago. Till then you keep writing these kinda good articles coming.
ReplyDeleteGood one sanju..... and the best way to compliment this would be by action more than anything else....lets start playing bsddy again from this weekend !!
ReplyDeleteLet me confess, I think this is only the second post that I fully read on your blog. But it does touch an emotional chord. After running a Formula 1 website for almost a decade, I lost motivation and had to shut it down. And today, I feel that lack of passion and it amazes me how I have changed as a person. Yes, marriage, a kid, have happened. But honestly, they haven't been an impediment. Somewhere on this side of 30, the cogs in me turned and changed me. I can't quite put a finger on it, but can only feel the shift. I can no more talk about cars, bikes or F1 racing the way I used to. And I surely miss that.
ReplyDeleteLet's start cricket again...!!! Engaging in sports boosts both physical and mental strength, as mental well-being is crucial for physical fitness. Playing any sport for a minimum of 30 minutes daily is essential for overall health.
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