The 4 Truths About Hobbies
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The 4 Truths About Hobbies

"So what do you do for fun?" doesn't have to be your most dreaded question.

41
The 4 Truths About Hobbies

The biggest realization I had when quarantine started was that I didn't have any hobbies outside of hanging out with my friends and spending money. When both were essentially taken away, I had to have a heart-to-heart with myself. I had to find something new that interested me to avoid going crazy during social distancing. For a while, I was able to avoid my self-exploration with minute distractions; Tiger King had just dropped on Netflix, Hulu had taken away their ads, Zoom meetings were all the rage, and of course, I still had finals to deal with.

But after March fell into April, and April to May, I realized there were only so many hours in the day I could spend on my couch. I scrolled on social media and saw post after post of all the quarantine projects people were picking up, and quite frankly, I was jealous. I knew I couldn't 'Netflix and Chill' my life away, and during my journey to find new activities, I found the cold, hard facts about hobbies that no one told me before hand.

One of the hobbies I picked up was Photoshop. Thankfully, I already had the software on my computer for classwork, and during quarantine, I sat down and created art that was meaningful to me. Of course, it was frustrating; I knew the bare minimum of the program, and I was having the worst time making the images I had in my head come alive on the screen, but we are so fortunate to live in a time where anything we could want to learn is a click away on YouTube. The online world became my best friend during my quest to find new hobbies.

Here are 4 truths that I learned along the way that serve as a great reminder.

You don't have to be good at a hobby to consider it as such. 

This can be a daunting theory to engrave in your mind. People love to post the pictures of themselves thriving at their hobbies. I can't tell you how many banana bread posts I saw that discouraged my hobby adventure, but the true definition of a hobby is 'an activity you partake in that makes you feel alive.'

Notice, I didn't say a hobby is something that makes you feel good. To feel alive is to feel challenges and setbacks, along with happiness and enlightenment.

Hobbies don't have to become your identity.

I have started reading more books, but I wouldn't call myself a bookworm. I have started to do more yoga, but I'm not about to open my own practice. Hobbies don't have to take over every aspect of your life. If you enjoy spending time partaking in these activities, even if you do not partake in these activities often, you have a hobby.

Your hobby doesn't have to become your side hustle.

This is another thing I have seen on social media over quarantine; people will try to make money off their talents online. Don't get me wrong, I think side hustles are great, and if your hobby allows you to make money, then more power to you. Still, I feel as though some people get in the mindset that if they are not good enough to make money off their hobbies, then it is not a hobby. You do not have to make money with every aspect of your life. You are allowed to enjoy things without thinking about money.

Hobbies can be small too. 

Running is a popular but often daunting hobby to start. There is all the gear necessary to run, the time out of your day you need to put aside for your run, the communities of people to connect with, the mental barriers to endure and the soreness after the run. If you are new to running, it might be hard to overcome so many obstacles at once. If hobbies are too big, it might be too scary to start trying.

For a while, I wanted one of my hobbies to be rock climbing. It would've been super cool to backpack out to the mountains, grab some rope and climb, but I learned quickly there are many, many obstacles to overcome as a first time climber. I had no idea where to start. Instead of being discouraged, I decided to adjust my hobby. I've started hiking more. I have the benefits of being outside, usually in the mountains, and I get the sense of adventure I imagine I would've gotten while rock climbing. I have the goal to make rock climbing a hobby of mine in the future, but for now, hiking has become one of my past times.

Some smaller hobbies that people often overlook as hobbies include playing Animal Crossing, painting rocks, taking care of your succulents, going on bike rides, gossiping with your mom, having water balloon fights with your brother, painting your dog's nails, organizing your room, volunteering, making shorts out of jeans, the list can go on and on.

Hobbies give you a chance to explore the things that set your soul on fire. Do not be discouraged if you don't like the first hobby you try out, or if things didn't go as planned. Like most things in life, hobbies take some time to develop, too.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

81097
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

166567
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments