What is your purpose in life that no one and nothing can take away from you?

[JanisMoplin]

The last two years have just been a series of losses for me, as for many of us. I am now in the process of trying to find something that no one can take away from me, come Covid, hell or highwater. Something that I can do on my own without relying on anyone in this era of social distancing. DC are grown and don't need me. DH is a very quiet man with a v stressful job. So I strike out on my own.

This purpose used to be reading. At one point in my life I used to read two or three books a week and belonged to 3 book clubs. Somewhere in the pandemic, I have forgotten to read.

Then I took up walking and got really into it. But lately, the weather has been shit and I need something else for when it's pissing down outside
I volunteer at a heritage site, but if we are in lockdown again, that may go away.:(

I would like everyone else love to travel, but....

See a theme? What is your purpose ?

Get waterproofs and continue to walk. I adore the peace in usually busy places when it is lashing down.

It was definitely work for a long time, probably to the detriment of the rest of my life. I don't think I now have just one, especially since I'm long-term single with no children. BUT, I do love many of the things others have mentioned - walking, gardening, reading. Also going to the theatre, and travelling. And I also want to be open to finding new interests/passions. At the start of autumn 2020, seeing another lockdown on the way, I signed up to a pottery evening class, mainly because it was going to be in the studio not over zoom. Being able to focus on something new and different and creative has been incredibly important ever since. I'm not very good, mind..

@JanisMoplin do check out heygo- you may like it. It's free, you just tip if you've enjoyed a tour.

It's basically virtual tours of about 45 mins anywhere you fancy. They're live and in real time with a tour guide you can chat with and ask questions to. You could go to Japan. Or Canada. Or whale watching. You could have a tour round the Van Gogh museum or go to a festival in Brazil. Anything!

Ideal for those who love travel and culture but can't travel.

I don't work with them or anything I just think it's a great idea

What a lovely thread. I admire you, OP, for striking out on your own and nurturing passions. I imagine I will be in your position in 15 years time when DC are grown up. DH is also very quiet, happy to stay in, and we don't share many interests. I also love museums and walking, as well as art and music. I love whiling away an afternoon in a gallery or museum and feel 100% myself as I absorb what I'm seeing, at my own pace. I find few occasions to listen to music where I can really concentrate but when it happens it feels like you could cut me in half and the music would be coursing through my veins. I got my love of these things from both my parents so it really does feel part of my genetic make-up.

Have you seen that ‘Julia and Julia’ film about a woman who cooks all the recipes in a cookery book from start to finish? I did that with the complete works of Delia Smith.

Fostering. The hardest, yet most rewarding, thing I have ever done.