What gives you the most enjoyment in life aside from children?

[JPlusTwo]

Just a lighthearted thread I guess but all responses welcome.

The dust has settled after a rocky breakup with DH and I now feel like I can reshape who I am and discover what I enjoy in life as opposed to thinking about his happiness all the time!

My children are my whole world but I would love to do something just for me. I guess for now my response would be getting out for long walks in the sunshine, always a huge mood booster!

[Hermano]

Making sourdough when it works, temperamental bastard of a dough it is
My indoor plants
Watching really good tv
Catching up with friends
Snuggling my cat
A good bath
A good curry / other spicy meal
Masturbating

[Grandmi]

Doggie walks and time with friends 💕

[hilariousnamehere]

My cats, my business, my camera and art. Reading a really good book. Clean sheets and the knowledge I don't have to get up to an alarm the next day. Long chats with friends about everything and nothing. Horse riding when I can. My ridiculous patchwork velvet sofa 😂 and my old sports car made me smile and my heart soar every single day, but sadly she's now in the big garage in the sky and her bonnet is on my fence

Congrats on your new life op, it can take a while to adjust to being able to do what you want, but it's a wonderful feeling!

[GarlicMcAtackney]

I actively avoid being around any kids or parents, as such, life is blissfully quiet, clean and enjoyable.
Rescue dog
Art
Making food
Rum
Writing to pen pals
Childfree groups online
Netflix

[justjuggling]

Baking
A full nights sleep
My lovely little garden

[OLGADEEPOLGA]

My cat
My dog
Crocheting beautiful blankets - I absolutely find happiness in this
Dahlias - I think they are beautiful
Coffee
Toast and marmalade
Pyjamas
A good nights sleep
Perfume

[happypotamus]

Probably peace and quiet on my own and reading and listening to sad songs loudly.
Which is a shame, because I have had no peace and quiet on my own since March and so have read very little and not been able to play loud music. I miss it. Hopefully, DC will both go back to school in September, but DH will still be here working from home for the foreseeable future, so I still won't be on my own on my days off work or able to play loud music (I said at the beginning of lockdown that I need my music on my phone and to get earphones for it and DH said he would help me make that happen as I have no idea how, he didn't)

[Zenithbear]

My dp
My animals
Going out with friends
Holidays
Our holiday cottage
Our motorbikes

[M0mmyneedswine]

The beach, can be swimming, walking, sunbathing, reading or chatting with a friend but all are better at the beach

[Kittykatmacbill]

Running
Hanging out with dh
Looking at the sea
Climbing mountains (and pre kids went to some really interesting places)
Drinking coffee in the sun, ideally after a big run so I can eat peanut butter on toast too.
Watching sci-fi series
Crafting
Work when it’s going well!

[Thingsarel00kingup]

Been there OP and the freedom is amazing! You'll grow so much. I really enjoy all the little things - being outside, pottering, picnics, a long nature walk and thermos of tea. It's awesome not having to put another adult first always!

Wishing you all the best x

[ZaZathecat]

Music and singing

[HumphreyGoodmanswife]

Without question : being outdoors, nature, feeling the sun on my face, taking a slow, deep breath of fresh air and feeling stresses drain away.

Followed by :
The smell of rain
The sound of laughter
Reading
Cooking /baking
Growing veg
Campfires
Travel
Planning and making lists
Walking

Oh yeah, and pink fizz

[Liddell]

Dcat who is curled up on my lap. I love her.
Walking DDog, saw two deer tonight, and have seen lovely birds when out.
Seeing beautiful sunsets out with DDog.
Reading, especially series of books.
Swimming with my sister, we always have a laugh.
Visiting my best friend.
Have just watched the whole of Big Brother 7 on youtube!
Cup of tea and a home made cake.

[BarbedBloom]

I don't have children. Plants, travel, photography, books, cooking. Hobbies in general really. Also my cats.

[Toohardtofindaproperusername]

To those who say their jobs.. what do you do?

[Itsarattrap]

Gardening and eating the results.

[mrsprefect]

Horses

[magicmarker11]

My friends, my mum. Dh (most of the time!!) my cat and my gerbils. Wine and chocolate. Good books, films and computer games. Walking, especially somewhere beautiful.

[TFSRM]

I was going to be flippant and say gin but recently the thing I've find most relaxing is learning calligraphy. Anything creative tends to give me the most enjoyment or going for long, long walks.

[violetbunny]

My cats
Makeup
Nice food
Yin yoga

Probably in that order

[Fandanglethat]

Parenting is many things, but I don't think I've ever thought of it as enjoyable!

I enjoy nature, rock climbing, upcycling, education, exercise.

[1forAll74]

Gardening
Reading
Watercolour painting
Writing
Sometimes altering clothes, ( think Sewing Bee) !

[Tempjob]

Meeting up with dear friends (doesn't happen much)
Quality time alone with DH
Cinema or BBC iplayer
Bike rides
Zoom calls with sister
Getting time alone to chill
My work and great colleagues

[LatteLover12]

I did exactly what you're doing now OP and readjusted how much life was after my divorce.

Things I found pleasurable...

The peace when the children were seeing dad at the weekend.

Reading
Walking
Dating!
Choosing exactly what I wanted to eat without having to consider anyone else.

I suppose the biggest one for me was travelling. I've managed to see more of the world in the last 5 years than I did in the 20 before them! Mainly short breaks but I also made the most of the weeks when exh would have them in the holidays.

I have met someone else now and were expecting a baby together very soon but there are things I won't change and I'm determined not to be defined by motherhood again this time.

Like you, I love being a mum but there's a lot to be said for finding the things you love and making time for yourself too.

Good luck OP!