Go, Get Yourself a Hobby

Do you have a hobby? Is there anything that you are passionate about? Something creative that you really like doing, or are deeply involved with? Something that grips you, makes you forget all else - even makes you forget to eat or sleep? No, I am not talking about your job or your daily chores.
By developing a parallel line, other than that of your job, and following it like crazy, you energise your life. It will keep you going even when all other activities have stopped.
It did not make much sense to me until I ran into a retired officer turned passionate writer. Let’s call him Mr. X.
What was amazing was his appearance. He looked 10 years younger than his self-proclaimed 75 - dark grey hair, tall and robust. Well-preserved, as some would say. ‘‘I don’t want to take much of your time, but just wanted to show you my work,’’ he said. In his bag, he was carrying dozens of books that he had written after retirement. Short stories and novels in his mother tongue and in English, for children and adults.
Mr. X retired after putting in 30 years of service. But he did not retire from life. No way. ‘‘In fact, I lead a much busier life now - writing.’’ ‘‘So writing is your hobby?’’ I asked him. ‘‘No, it is my only interest. While I was working, I did not have enough time to write. But now I work 10 - 12 hours a day writing, writing, writing.’’
‘‘Why ? Is that the way you support yourself ?’’ ‘‘No, my writings don’t pay me financially, but they fulfil me otherwise,’’ he said. Mr. X lives on his savings, but he relies on his passion to take care of his mental and physical wellbeing. In fact, such is the energy and sense of satisfaction and contentment that he draws from his writing that he has managed to survive many upheavals in life. Thanks to his passion, retirement never became a sad phase of life for him; instead, it gave him a new lease of life, an opportunity to do that which he missed out on or had no time for earlier.
And his level of commitment was impressive. He does not want publicity nor is he interested in advertising himself. ‘‘It will take me away from my writing and pull me into the world of Internet. I would rather follow my passion,’’ he says. Gathering his books, he was soon ready to leave - eager to go back to his passion. He left me with the motivation to seek one, too. Thank you Mr. X.

Why was Mr. X not interested in seeking publicity?

Reading - Discursive Passage Questionbank