Friday, September 21, 2007
Why Do We Do It?
Have you ever been in the middle of preparing for a rabbit show - whether you are loading up in the heat while trying to keep bunnies cool or loading up in the rain while trying to keep dry - and wonder why we do this - for fun? Have you ever cried your eyes out over the loss of a special bunny or stayed up half the night trying to save a furry life and thought, "THIS is my hobby? my relaxation?"
All in all, you'd have to say that we are a crazy lot, traveling too far, spending too much money on rabbit supplies, and using too many gallons of bleach and vinegar for a normal person. And this is how we "get away from it all"!
I admit it is a great paradox that this work, often exhausting and frequently dirty, does renew us and refresh us. It does give us time to clear our minds. It does provide us with a sense of hope and a sense of wonder and a sense of accomplishment.
By all logical reasoning, I should give up bunnies. I have more than enough in my life otherwise. I even have another hobby. I could certainly use all of the money I spend on rabbits for more practical things or even dance weekends and new dance clothes and shoes.
But still I stay.
Why do we do it? Why do I do it?
I'm sure the answer is different for each person. But it's worth asking yourself every now and then, especially when the work seems to outweigh the relaxation, or the frustration and disappointment seems to outweigh the satisfaction.
I love my rabbits. I can't imagine being without them. I love the look of them, the feel of them, their individual personalities, and the promise that each new baby holds.
I love my rabbit friends. I count on them to share our passion for rabbits, to spend delightful times together, and to support me. They also give me the opportunity to help, share, and support, which is even more important.
So when I have a disappointing day on the table or empty nest boxes, I have to remind myself that it is not my goal to be #1 in the nation and that I have no time restraints concerning when I reach my goals. I look to the long-term, anyway, so that helps me realize that no one show, no one season, even, should be able to derail me and my hobby.
So why do I do it? I do it for lots of reasons, most of them very good reasons. Is it worth it? Sometimes, the answer is definitely not. This is crazy. I must be insane. But most of the time, the answer comes back to me very clearly: absolutely.
Laurie ¶ 8:27 AM
All in all, you'd have to say that we are a crazy lot, traveling too far, spending too much money on rabbit supplies, and using too many gallons of bleach and vinegar for a normal person. And this is how we "get away from it all"!
I admit it is a great paradox that this work, often exhausting and frequently dirty, does renew us and refresh us. It does give us time to clear our minds. It does provide us with a sense of hope and a sense of wonder and a sense of accomplishment.
By all logical reasoning, I should give up bunnies. I have more than enough in my life otherwise. I even have another hobby. I could certainly use all of the money I spend on rabbits for more practical things or even dance weekends and new dance clothes and shoes.
But still I stay.
Why do we do it? Why do I do it?
I'm sure the answer is different for each person. But it's worth asking yourself every now and then, especially when the work seems to outweigh the relaxation, or the frustration and disappointment seems to outweigh the satisfaction.
I love my rabbits. I can't imagine being without them. I love the look of them, the feel of them, their individual personalities, and the promise that each new baby holds.
I love my rabbit friends. I count on them to share our passion for rabbits, to spend delightful times together, and to support me. They also give me the opportunity to help, share, and support, which is even more important.
So when I have a disappointing day on the table or empty nest boxes, I have to remind myself that it is not my goal to be #1 in the nation and that I have no time restraints concerning when I reach my goals. I look to the long-term, anyway, so that helps me realize that no one show, no one season, even, should be able to derail me and my hobby.
So why do I do it? I do it for lots of reasons, most of them very good reasons. Is it worth it? Sometimes, the answer is definitely not. This is crazy. I must be insane. But most of the time, the answer comes back to me very clearly: absolutely.
Laurie ¶ 8:27 AM
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I love this post, I was asking myself last friday while putting rabbits in carriers in the rain, "why am I going to all this trouble for rabbits?" LOL The reasons I stay in the rabbit hobby are many of the same you mentioned in this blog. Seeing that nicely typed Holland junior or senior makes it all worth while, and I couldn't live without snuggling the cute little babies in the nest box.
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