Hobbies???
By Adrienne Lynch
As a wife, mom, former educator, and dare I say middle aged women. I have finally taken a step back from being all things to everyone and decided I wanted to do something for myself. But then - I was stuck. I mean the idea sounded great in my head…but what does “something for me mean”???? Self care? Like getting my nails done, going to the spa, or joining a Pilates class? I quickly decided that was NOT for me. So, I figured I'd try out this thing called a hobby. Again, cue the mental gymnastics: What exactly qualifies as a hobby? Do I have enough free time between volleyball practices and grocery runs to even contemplate one? Should I just invest my time and money in a backyard trampoline for instant fun? In my typical fashion of making life decisions, I consulted my trusty friend Google. Lo and behold, the list of hobby suggestions left me more puzzled than my kids trying to understand why I can't fix the Wi-Fi.
Which led me down a path of reflection. What is a hobby? It’s something people enjoy doing. Something they do just for the love of it. What do I love most of all? Laying in my bed, eating delicious foods, and watching reality TV. If I’m able to do all of those things simultaneously that’s a trifecta in my book!! So why are those not hobbies???? Now that I see these words on a page I can recognize that while this amazing trifecta feels great in the moment it is a temporary fix. What I’m seeking is something to balance out the chaos that is part of life.
So back to my Google laundry list I went. Do people really climb rocks for fun? That sounds like a workout I'd rather avoid. I struggle enough climbing out of bed some days! As I scrolled through the list, I saw options like painting, cooking (not my cup of tea!), scrapbooking, playing an instrument. It was then that I started to wonder: am I missing out because I don't have a passion for rock climbing, cooking, painting, or playing an instrument? None of these activities seem to match up with what truly brings me joy. It’s a question that continues to linger challenging me to redefine what brings fulfillment and happiness in my own unique way. It’s very clear to me now that hobbies are deeply personal choices, driven by individual passions rather than external suggestions.
One day while talking to my sister about my quest for a hobby- it came to me! A few months back I stumbled onto an Instagram video showcasing miniature stuff. Mini foods, mini office set ups, mini everything. Intrigued, I found myself watching more and more of these miniature Instagram reels. Suddenly, it clicked—building and decorating a dollhouse could be my hobby! I really enjoy those miniature reels and this is a hobby that would get me out of my bed and is probably much kinder to my waist. And bonus I can still binge watch all the Bravo shows while I do it!!! So, armed with my newfound hobby excitement, I headed to Amazon and added a dollhouse to my cart. Who knows where this journey will lead, but I think I found a hobby!
Since I’ve spent some time researching hobbies I thought I’d share some of the things I did to find a hobby.
Personal Reflection and Exploration: Discovering a hobby is a journey of hope and self-discovery. Hope hinges on the anticipation of positive outcomes in various aspects of life. This Nurturing Hope Workbook was instrumental in guiding my personal reflection and may help you uncover your next passion too.
Online Hobby Directories and Websites: Websites like HobbyHelp, HobbyLark, and Hobbyist Forums provide lists and descriptions of various hobbies. They often include reviews, beginner guides, and community forums where enthusiasts share experiences.
Social Media Platforms: Platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube offer a wealth of hobby-related content.
Meetup Groups: Meetup.com is a platform where people organize gatherings based on shared interests, including hobbies. Join local groups or start one yourself to meet others who enjoy the same activities.
Books and Magazines: Look for books and magazines dedicated to hobbies. They can provide inspiration, guidance, and in-depth information about different activities.
Online Courses and Workshops: Platforms like MasterClass, Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare offer online courses on various hobbies, from photography and cooking to gardening and coding.
Outdoor and Adventure Clubs: If you're interested in outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, or birdwatching, consider joining local clubs or associations that organize group outings.
What helps you find space and reconnect with joy when life throws you off balance? Drop us a comment below.