Feeling guilty when not practicing

We, as magicians, are fortunate. We are among the few who have figured out their dream. The one hobby that they enjoy doing so much that they're willing to spend money, time, and energy on it. Plus, for most of us, it's not an activity that we only do once in a blue moon. To most of us, it's an activity that absorbs our entire lives. 

I'm not much different. I love magic. I breathe magic. I think magic. I do those things 24/7. Magic will be on my mind in one way or another from the moment that I wake up until the moment that I go to bed.

Other than magic, I'm also blessed, or in this case, instead cursed, with a deep interest in different subjects. I love reading books about spirituality, tarot, exercises, the human body, mythology, and psychology. On top of that, I love making music, writing, drawing, and playing games. All of these things are great; however, they also deeply trouble me from time to time.

You see, whenever I'm engaged with another activity but magic, I tell myself that I should be doing magic. I have the feeling that I'm wasting away my time because I'm not doing magic, and I would be more successful if I were to focus on magic fully.  This, however, I've learned, is a colossal error of judgment.

Over the years of torturing myself with these thoughts, I've come to discover that all these other interests fuel my passion for magic. What's even more is that they give me great ideas and lessons which I can then apply within magic. Without those other interests, I'd be a much less interesting performer, a much less well-rounded human being.

But where is the line? I believe that the line is at the moment when you start to neglect rehearsals and practice sessions, which are essential for optimal performance at public shows. If those aspects don't suffer (because if they will, I'll be miserable), then I can focus on whatever I want to focus on, on whatever draws my attention.

We can learn so much from outside of magic, so don't worry about it if you have the drive to discover. Be kinder to yourself and see where it brings you.

-Rico