We received so many wonderful entries from members, family and friends for our ‘Hobbies for Dystonia’ competition. Thank you to everyone who entered and supported our effort to raise awareness of dystonia and showcase the interests and talents of our community. Each entry depicts quite a different hobby – what a marvellous range of activities and skills our community has. Maybe they will inspire you to take up something new!
Our ‘Hobbies for Dystonia’ competition winner! Karen receives a $100 gift voucher from DNA
Congratulations Karen on your beautiful entry
“Painting is an almost daily activity for me. Sometimes I have to hold my chin to keep my head still, at other times, use a support to steady my hand – but most artists need to do the latter. I can be engrossed, challenged, stimulated and excited by painting, without dystonia spoiling my enjoyment. To paint en plain air ensures I set off on my mission, despite the elements and struggle and experience a sense of time well spent – away from dystonia. At home, painting while listening to the great soprano, Jessye Norman (below) – is pretty close to heaven.” Karen
Source: Jessye Norman
Author: John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com
Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en
“The ocean is my happy place. This is me and my dog Lucy on a surf ski after I’d worked so hard at rehab and physiotherapy. Lucy is trained for obedience and as a community support dog and I used to take her to hospitals, nursing homes and schools. She alerts me before I have a spasm by barking. She then licks and sniffs me and lies down next to me until the spasms have settled. I take this picture with me to keep me reminded of our happy times”. Margie
Congratulations to Margie who is a joint runner up. Margie receives a $50 gift voucher from DNA
“My favourite pastime is prickpoint card making and I do this in a very social group. It’s done by pricking a pattern on yardstick and following instructions on how to stitch the card. Having cervical dystonia and a hand tremor, pricking the pattern and threading the needle are challenges! But having now spent 12 years doing these cards, I can look at a sample and embroider without instructions. I now spend considerable time planning the colours and purpose of the card before I start work. I make all my Christmas and birthday cards as well as others. This brings me much pleasure. My hobby has a purpose as it also brings joy to the recipients and once I have made sufficient cards, I feel it is an accomplishment. Despite the challenges, I find this activity relaxing!” Liz
Congratulations to Liz who is a joint runner up. Liz receives a $50 gift voucher from DNA
“My favourite hobby is photography. I collect my photos from holidays and happy family events and turn them into digital photobook using online software. The books become a source of delightful memories. I enjoy this hobby because it gives me great satisfaction and joy and it is something I can do however I’m feeling. I am actually in the photo at the top, waiting to go into the tiny gingerbread shop in Grasmere, UK. The bottom photo is in a photobook about my holiday in Wales and I was amused by the folk, lying on their deck chairs.” Helen
“Gardening ignites all my senses, giving me exercise, fresh air and an opportunity to be creative. I have learnt different ways of being flexible in how I complete different tasks, bringing me to a place of satisfaction – working on my hands and knees a go to.” Wendy
“I’ve played golf nearly all my life. It’s nice when you play well and I’m pretty competitive but at the end of the day it’s about the companionship of my friends. That’s what matters most”. Peter
“I’m involved in many activities and hobbies ranging from writing books, dystonia advocacy, health blogging, plant collecting and photography. All these activities help me with my dystonia by giving my life meaning and purpose“. Tom
‘Writing is something I have always done. At work, at home and everywhere in between. In the last ten years when the dystonia has taken over every aspect of my life, composing verse has become a constant friend.
‘Three of my Favourite Things’ reminds me of my childhood and being able to move more freely than I can now. Also, my grandfather who was like a dad. And about my love of music and singing. In the early hours when I can’t sleep and am at a low ebb, my words come back to me and give me comfort.
While dystonia has robbed me of so much; it has also given me the time to dig down deep and create things of beauty.’ Jane
“My hobby is collecting Bruce Springsteen albums and going to his concerts. I have every album he’s ever released. I’ve been a fan for as long as I can remember and have this on my wall at home. In my opinion Bruce is just as good today as when he started out 50 years ago. He makes the world a better place and his music brings me joy and comfort and makes me feel alive.” John
“I found it hard to find a form of exercise that didn’t aggravate my cervical dystonia. But I feel it’s important for me to keep active and do things that I enjoy. The hobby that gives me the most joy is ocean swimming. When I’m in the water I’m focussed on all the amazing marine life around me and it makes me forget about my dystonia”. Denise
“My hobby for many years has been travelling. My favourite country is France and my favourite city, naturally, is Paris. My wife and I have been to Paris six times (I don’t know if we’ll get there again). We love the cafes, museums and art galleries – particularly the Louvre – although I must say the Mona Lisa was a bit underwhelming! Travel brings me joy and as long as I pace myself and don’t get too tired I manage it quite well. These are some of my photos over the years”. Jo
My neighbour convinced me to start doing Sudoku a few years ago. I’ve become addicted to them and try to make sure I do one every day. It gives me a sense of achievement and I’m trying to do ‘hard’ ones at the moment with varying degrees of success. I’m not very physically active now but I try to do things to keep my brain active.” Shiela
Page created 21st September 2025
