Enjoying the SCA Buffet: Choosing What Brings Joy
One of the threads I recently read on Facebook really struck me. It asked how we sustainably manage our SCA activities. How can we do this while still keeping a balanced “mundane” life underneath it all?
It’s a question we have all faced at some point, whether we are inside the SCA or not. But the SCA is a bigger feast than other hobbies. It’s a buffet of options. Some seasons of life give us the time, energy, and resources to dive in deeply. Other seasons require us to step back. That’s okay. And the truth is—most SCAdians don’t do it all.
The Myth of “Doing It All”
Burnout is common, especially for those who give a lot of service. We all know someone (or have been that someone) who tries to be at every event. They may also hold every office, make garb for every season, and never say “no.” But sustaining that long-term is nearly impossible. The reality? Many of us have messy houses like moi, seasonal jobs, or family obligations. Sometimes, we can only manage one event a month—or none at all.
The Seasons of Stuff
One comfort of longevity in the Society is that eventually you accumulate enough: garb, camping gear, feast gear and more. Depending on your weight stability, it may not always be the fanciest or latest, but it’s enough to get by. That, in itself, takes the pressure off. I’ve found myself making-do more often these days, and that’s been a relief. The pressure to always have “new and better” garb never goes away completely. However, I feel balanced by knowing I already have what I need to enjoy an event.
My Own Reflections
In my 30+ years, I’ve cycled through these same thoughts. I’ve even considered quitting entirely. At my age, that would be easy enough to do. But then I paused. I realized what I would lose. I would miss opportunities to socialize, the laughter of shared meals, and the friendships I’ve built over decades. That reminder keeps me trudging on—but at a pace that suits me. These days, that means taking another apprentice, doing only short-term jobs, and teaching only classes that truly interest me. That balance keeps me connected without burning me out.
The Quiet Permission
I keep coming back to this simple truth. As always it’s okay to only do the parts that bring you joy. It’s okay to step back when life requires it. And it’s okay to let go of comparisons. Your plate at the SCA “buffet” will never look exactly like anyone else’s—and that’s the point.
One of the more thoughtful comments I read asked: What is your fear of not balancing it all? Do you worry you’ll lose something if you don’t participate full-time? Is that fear realistic or something else? These are worth pondering quietly for ourselves, especially when anxiety creeps in.
Learning From History
As a student of history, I take comfort in remembering that people in every century have faced these struggles. They managed time, resources, and obligations just as we try to do. They, too, had to make choices about what they could and could not do. Somehow, they endured. And so do we.
So, whether you’re in a season of diving deep into the SCA or gently stepping back, remember this: you belong. Your contributions matter. Your joy is reason enough to be here. As M. Aoibheann once told me, “You can always be a cheerleader. We need those, too.”
How about you?
How do you balance SCA life with the rest of your “mundane” world? Do you set limits, take breaks, or just roll with the seasons? I’d love to hear your own ways of managing without burning out. Please share in the comments. We can all learn from each other.
