A little give and take

Over the past year I've found myself with some new hobbies, and am continuing to collect hobbies like one collects stamps, or limited edition coins.

There comes a point, however, when you need to assess what you actually have time for, what you're actually dedicated to, and what you can let go. And I'm at a hard point in my life right now where I don't have time for everything, but I also don't want to give anything up. So how do I choose? How do I convince myself that one hobby is more important than the other when I have two great hobbies that challenge me mentally, physically, and emotionally? Each of them has their own physical and social aspect of it (I'm talking about dancing and rock clibming) and each requires a similar time commitment.

In my head and my planning for the future, I guess I've already made somewhat of a decision. By registering for weekend events and committing to travel with friends to dance events, I've chosen dance. But even with that, I can't give up climbing. My wallet can't afford it, and I certainly don't have the time for it. But it's a sport that requires constant effort to improve, and if I stop, I'll lose everything I've been working for in the past year. And I'm not one to waste my time.

So what do I do? Struggle even more than I am, attempt to make time, sacrifice something else, like a relaxing night at home with my housemates? Do I sacrifice a night of schoolwork or actual work so that I can have one night of climbing? I'm not sure what the answer is yet. It'll take some trial and error. Because, as much as I tell myself that I don't have the time or the money, it's something I just can't give up; the people, the place, the exercise, everything. It's become part of how I define myself, and how can I take that away?