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!

Reading with a cup of tea when it's raining/stormy

I went back to uni when my DC were in their teens to retrain in a completely differently field.
I loved the challenge of the work and the social side and I finally had time to focus on a new career which made me happy

My DH, walking with my dogs, nature, my job, knitting and Netflix!

Seeing uplifting friends

Books, garden, cat, national trust tea rooms and sometimes jogging

Time alone. I spent around 4 years with DS 2 stuck to me. The only time I was away from him was if me and DP went on a night out, and that was rare.
The past 2 years have been great because I can actually get to the shops or go for the rum or out with the dog alone.
2 or 3 times after he started school I got a very rare day off work and went to the pictures! It was amazing.
I am now pregnant with number three (unplanned) and I'm dreading that this baby is the same. I really didn't feel like I was myself during that time, I was just the carer for a DS who never stopped crying and took all my attention away from DS 1.

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!

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

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

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.

My cats
Makeup
Nice food
Yin yoga

Probably in that order

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.

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.

Horses

Gardening and eating the results.

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

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

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.

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

Music and singing

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

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!

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

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

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)