"أحياناً نعتقد أننا نرعى حديقتنا لكن بالطبع نحن نرعى أنفسنا"

Ever caught yourself deep in a hobby, thinking you’re just passing the time, but then realizing it’s actually doing wonders for you? That’s what this quote is about. When we’re taking care of something—whether it’s a garden, a piece of art, or any project—we’re really taking care of ourselves. It’s like a sneaky way of finding peace and fulfillment, wrapped up in the guise of productivity.

This idea pops up a lot when you look at why people do what they do. Historically, think about times of stress or upheaval. During World War II, for instance, people in Britain were encouraged to grow their own food in “Victory Gardens.” Sure, it was about survival and supporting the war effort, but it also gave them a sense of control and purpose in a chaotic world. It wasn’t just about the vegetables; it was about feeling grounded and useful.

Let’s bring it closer to home. Imagine Sarah. She’s got a high-stress job in marketing, constantly juggling deadlines and client expectations. To unwind, she started tending to a small balcony garden. Initially, it was just about having some fresh herbs for cooking. But soon, she noticed something bigger happening. The act of watering her plants, checking the soil, and seeing them grow became a meditation. It was her daily escape, a moment to breathe and disconnect from the hustle. Over time, this simple garden became a sanctuary—a place where she nurtured her mental health, without even realizing it.

So, how can you take this slice of wisdom and run with it? Start by identifying something you love doing or something you’ve always wanted to try. It could be anything—baking, painting, writing, even assembling model planes. The trick is to pour yourself into it, not because you have to, but because you want to. Let it be your escape, your little pocket of peace in a busy world.

Don’t fret about being perfect. The magic is in the process, not the outcome. If you’re baking, relish the mixing and kneading, not just the final cake. If you’re painting, enjoy the strokes, the colors blending, the feel of the brush in your hand. You’re not just creating something external, you’re feeding your soul.

Picture this: You’re a writer, feeling a bit burnt out. You decide to start a small, no-pressure blog about your travels. At first, it’s just for fun—recounting your adventures and sharing tips. Over time, you notice that writing these posts gives you a break from your usual grind. You’re still writing, but it’s different. It’s personal and joyful. You find yourself looking forward to these sessions, feeling refreshed and inspired afterward. It’s like a little energy boost, wrapped in the act of storytelling.

In the end, it’s about seeing beyond the task. It’s recognizing that the time you spend nurturing a garden—or any other passion—is actually time spent nurturing yourself. It’s a beautiful, almost poetic cycle. So, next time you dive into your hobby, remember, you’re not just growing plants, baking bread, or painting canvases. You’re growing peace, joy, and a bit of you. And that’s pretty special.