Day 55 – Happiness in Hobbies

“No man is really happy or safe without a hobby.” – William Osler

Realizing I hadn’t had any hobbies is one of the mid-twenties crises I have had. I realized that I was the only one from work one day while talking with some coworkers without a hobby. I mentioned a few things I did In The past that I don’t really do anymore which really wasn’t accurate. I had nothing that I was truly passionate about or thoroughly enjoyed doing. Sure I go to the gym but I don’t do that because I absolutely love it. I do it mostly because I want to stay in shape. Being in my mid-twenties I figured it was time to jump on the hobby train again. I had so many interests growing up that they seemed to have gotten lost when my education took the driver seat. Since college, finding a good paying job and striving in that job was my hobby. I know, not a real one, but that’s what my main focus was on. Now that I landed a stable job that I didn’t see myself leaving, I realized all the free time I had that used to be spent looking for jobs or studying.

This past year or so I started trying new things in hopes of finding a new hobby. I started biking with TJ and that was a lot of fun. We started going on nearby trails and planning days where we went away to bike new trails. It has brought us together as a couple as tennis once did when we first started dating 8 years ago. Riding our bikes together was newer for both of us and we really enjoy that time together. Since the winter hit though and quarantine was in full force, I couldn’t bike due to the cold. I knew it was time to start thinking of another hobby that could occupy me in the colder months when I can no longer bike. I randomly one day looked up the local bag pipe band and saw that they were looking for recruits. I used to be very musically inclined as I played the violin growing up and I missed playing music. I knew this was a sign to try it out. I’m so very glad I showed up that first day because I have been a part of the band for the past 7 months now playing the snare drum and thoroughly enjoy it. It’s one of the highlights of my week and it’s a hobby I can carry on all throughout the year and even into old age. I have something to look forward to and get excited about that is also a good conversation starter! I’m proud of my Irish heritage so that had an added bonus of making my parents proud.

If you realize you don’t have any hobbies or have put them on the back burner for school or work, change it. Believe me, it’ll be so much greater for your soul and overall happiness. Don’t go quitting your day job to be the next Kendrick Lamar, but find time within your week to pick up something you enjoy. I really think it would improve your mood and make you happy. Hey, you can even make some money off your new found hobby! 

Item 055 of 360+

Today’s item is a graphic t shirt of a streamer that TJ watches. No longer in need of this shirt though. Hopefully, someone new will find a use for it.