Learning new skills/picking up a new hobby

[JennyGiggle]

There is a guy that stays close to me, and we have been talking quite a bit recently. He has a bunch of medical problems (non-kidney related) and we were sharing experiences. He was having a rant about the amount of hobbies and skills he could no longer do/use. He got quite upset about this, and I know only too well the despair at the thought of missing out on things - but I have never been completely stopped from doing the things I like. I suggested picking up a new skill/hobby - but apart from suggesting he came along to my drumkit tuition classes I had no idea what to suggest. He seemed just to despair even more after this and went back inside. I was wondering if any of you guys have any positive stories that you wouldn't mind me sharing with him and if anyone has any suggestions at what he could pick up. From what i understand he has a few mobility problems now caused by MS and seperate to this he recently had a pacemaker placed, he gave up working in his dads decorating business and can no longer play rugby - he was also diagnosed with bi-polar but im not sure what that means medically (some of you guys might).
Anyway, would love to give him some encouraging stories that show that all is not lost, as my story just seems to rub it in his face that I can still do my hobbies pretty much as normal.

Jenny

[jbeany]

Bipolar is another term for manic depressive.  If he's in a depressive stage right now, and it certainly sounds like it, you're going to have a very difficult battle trying to get him to see anything he can do and enjoy with his current abilities.  I've always been crafty, so finding things to do when I didn't have full energy levels just meant turning on my sewing machine.  As a guy though, he might want something a bit more masculine! 

How about making decorative objects his dad could use and sell in the decorating business?  Handcrafted wooden frames, art objects from found objects, etc.  I have a friend who spends her spare time covering all kinds of things with polished river rocks - frames, little boxes, birdhouses, etc.  It's not hard; she's not even particularly crafty, but she likes doing it.  It appeals to those with a cabin, woodsy decorating style.  She sells them as fast as she can make them.

I know from personal experience that selling something you make is a great ego boost!