Hobbies For Health & Happiness - Finding Joy Beyond Achievement
- Andrea Zsapka
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Story Nr 7/365/2025
In a world that celebrates accomplishment and productivity, could the secret to lasting fulfillment be hiding in plain sight? This week, we gather Around the Fire to explore how one woman's lifelong commitment to hobbies sustained her through remarkable career transitions and continues to enrich her retirement years.
Life rarely unfolds in straight lines. For Jagathis, whose journey took her from a small Malaysian town to international education leadership, one constant has provided balance, joy, and unexpected skills throughout life's twists and turns: her dedication to personal hobbies.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Impact
Jagathis's story begins in the small Chinese town of Bedong, Kedah in Malaysia, where her teenage self began making decisions that would shape her entire life path. From these humble beginnings, her journey led through accounting roles, a BBA degree, and eventually an MBA scholarship at the Irish American University in Dublin.
Throughout her impressive professional evolution—from clerical work to Director of International Affiliations connecting universities globally—Jagathis maintained a consistent practice that many of us neglect: nurturing personal hobbies regardless of life's demands.
What made these seemingly "extra" activities so essential to her wellbeing and success? And what might we learn from her approach?
The Thread That Weaves Through Life
"For the past 18 months during these unprecedented times," Jagathis shares, "I have involved myself in watching and learning from webinars, one of which has inspired me to write this book. And to share the benefits of pursuing hobbies all through my life—since I was 15 years old."
While many relegate hobbies to the bottom of our priority lists—something we'll get to "someday" when life slows down—Jagathis discovered their power to sustain us through every phase of life, from career-building years to active retirement.
Her professional journey took her to convocations in Switzerland, Paris, London, Bangkok, and Melbourne. Yet through each transition and challenge, her personal interests remained a constant source of joy, balance, and meaning.
The Unexpected Benefits Beyond Enjoyment
Jagathis's approach to hobbies wasn't just about enjoyment—though that's certainly important. Research consistently shows that people who engage in meaningful personal pursuits experience reduced stress, greater resilience, and even improved work performance.
Once an active marathon runner and avid traveler, Jagathis continues to enjoy morning jogs and various hobbies in retirement. "My life has indeed been enriched by my hobbies," she reflects with satisfaction.
What Hobby is Calling to You?
Jagathis's story invites us to reconsider our relationship with personal interests. Have you been putting off activities that once brought you joy? Or perhaps you've never allowed yourself the "luxury" of developing interests outside of work and family responsibilities?
What hobby has been whispering to you, waiting for you to make space in your life?
Join Us to Discover the Joy Beyond Achievement
Join us at our next "Around the Fire" Monday sessions, where we'll explore practical ways to integrate meaningful stories and their takeaways into your busy life.
NEXT STEPS:
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Meet weekly and Move forward by implementing the takeaways
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See you around the Fire
Andrea
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