Comment on What are some good things to purchase to add a new distraction to my life?
litchralee@sh.itjust.works 2 days ago
!homelab@lemmy.ml can easily become very involved.
But for other activities, fishing, watercraft (motorized or not), woodworking, ham radio, and civic advocacy (ie public transport, housing, anti-corruption). All of these can easily be a lifetime’s worth.
bizarroland@lemmy.world 2 days ago
If you had to pick one of those for a newcomer to get into, which one would you recommend?
grue@lemmy.world 2 days ago
Civic advocacy, hands down. It is infinitely the most important.
trashcroissant@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 days ago
And (at least for me) the most rewarding!
litchralee@sh.itjust.works 2 days ago
It very much depends, I think. Ham radio was really helpful to me during 2020 because it was a social activity that was compatible with distancing requirements, and is a great way to talk with people afar. As in, other continents but also local folks as well.
Fishing, watercraft, and woodworking all have different prerequisites, like a nearby body of water or the space for equipment. They also require some logistical planning, like fishing licenses, how to identify and prep fish, and where to source wood. These things are often easier to learn if you know someone who already partakes in the activity.
But for civil advocacy, that one has no tangible result that you can put in the living room, earns no awards or points, and puts you directly in the public spotlight, ugly as it may be. And yet, despite all that, it has the potential to impact the greatest number of people in the most accessible way. Paraphrasing a Greek proverb, to commit to this endeavor knowing full well that it will never serve to yourself a benefit, that is a sign of a great and virtuous citizen
All the activities I’ve listed are activities that hone personal development, and can be passed on to another generation, just in case you wanted even more engrossment.