Life moves fast. Between work, family, church responsibilities, and the daily grind, it can be easy to lose track of yourself. Over the years, I’ve learned that carving out time for hobbies and reflection isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Weekend retreats, even simple ones, provide a chance to slow down, recharge, and gain perspective. They allow you to step back from the busyness of life, reconnect with what matters, and return to your responsibilities with a clearer mind and calmer spirit.
The Value of Slowing Down
I’ve always enjoyed my hobbies—fishing, golfing, and spending time outdoors—but I didn’t fully appreciate their power until I intentionally made time for reflection. There’s something about stepping away from emails, meetings, and the never-ending to-do list that allows you to see things more clearly. A quiet morning on the lake or a round of golf on an empty course isn’t just recreation—it’s an opportunity to pause and reset.
Slowing down allows you to think strategically, not reactively. In my career as a financial advisor, that’s a lesson I try to pass along to clients. Just as a well-thought-out plan beats impulse decisions in investing, taking time to reflect helps in life. It prevents burnout and encourages more intentional choices in how we spend our time and energy.
Creating Your Own Weekend Retreat
A weekend retreat doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It can be as simple as heading to a nearby park, lake, or even a quiet room at home. The goal is to step away from routine distractions and create space for yourself. For me, a fishing trip with the boys or a quiet morning of reading and reflection at home can serve the same purpose as a week-long getaway.
The important thing is setting boundaries. When you commit to this time, treat it like any other important appointment. Turn off notifications, let people around you know you’re taking time for yourself, and resist the urge to check work or household tasks. It’s amazing how refreshing even a few hours of dedicated retreat time can feel.
Reflection Through Hobbies
Hobbies are more than just entertainment—they’re a form of meditation in action. When I’m on the golf course or standing by the water with a fishing rod in hand, my mind naturally quiets. I’m able to think about things I might have been avoiding, consider decisions more carefully, and gain perspective on what’s truly important.
Reflection doesn’t always have to be structured. Sometimes it’s simply noticing the beauty around you, appreciating the present moment, and letting your thoughts settle. Other times, I journal about priorities, challenges, or goals. Either way, hobbies provide a natural way to slow your mind and reconnect with yourself.
Balancing Family and Personal Time
As a dad of three young boys, I know how easy it is to feel pulled in every direction. Family is always a priority, but I’ve found that taking time for personal reflection actually makes me a better husband and father. When I’m calmer and more centered, I’m more present with my kids and more patient during everyday challenges.
Sometimes my retreats include the family. Fishing trips or outdoor weekends with the boys allow us to bond while still creating space for reflection. Other times, it’s time alone—reading, writing, or just sitting quietly. Both approaches have value. The key is recognizing that personal downtime isn’t selfish; it’s essential for sustaining energy and perspective.
The Lessons Hobbies Teach Us
Hobbies like golf, fishing, or even quiet walks teach lessons that extend far beyond the activity itself. Patience, focus, and the ability to recover from mistakes are just a few examples. On the golf course, a bad shot is temporary—you shake it off and approach the next one differently. In life, reflection helps you do the same. When challenges arise, taking a step back allows you to assess, adjust, and move forward with more clarity.
Hobbies also remind us to appreciate small victories and everyday moments. Landing a fish, sinking a putt, or simply enjoying a sunrise might seem minor, but those moments cultivate gratitude and perspective. They help you recognize that life is about more than deadlines and obligations—it’s about the experiences, people, and values we cherish.
Bringing Perspective Into Daily Life
The real value of weekend retreats is what you bring back to everyday life. After taking time to slow down and reflect, I return home with renewed focus and energy. I’m better able to prioritize work, support my family, and engage in my church and community. I make decisions more intentionally and respond to challenges with less stress.
Reflection also helps clarify long-term goals. Whether it’s planning for my family’s financial future, setting personal milestones, or thinking about how to give back to others, quiet time away from daily distractions allows me to see the bigger picture.
Weekends and hobbies aren’t just for relaxation—they’re opportunities for growth, reflection, and perspective. Carving out time to step away from routine responsibilities, even for a few hours, can recharge your mind, restore your energy, and help you approach life more intentionally.
Whether it’s fishing at dawn, hitting the golf course, or simply enjoying quiet time at home, these moments give clarity and peace that extend far beyond the activity itself. They remind us that life isn’t just about checking off tasks—it’s about reflection, presence, and aligning actions with values.
Taking the time to retreat and reflect has made me a better father, husband, and advisor. It helps me approach challenges with patience, prioritize what truly matters, and appreciate the blessings in front of me. Weekend retreats and hobbies aren’t just breaks—they’re investments in your perspective, your peace, and your ability to live fully.