I think life throws curves at you for so many reasons and in so many ways. One of the most important things I've gathered is that we as humans ache for an outlet. We yearn to get out of our situations and ease our minds in some way. I think something that goes alongside dealing with situations is having an important, safe, creative, and fun way to do it. It's important to feel passion and to create it. Surrounding yourself with good nature is a key to feeling less suppressed by life and diving into the passion of escaping it.

So it is said, we invest in a hobby.

A hobby is a regular activity that is done for enjoyment, typically during one's leisure time.

I stand strongly behind having a hobby. It helps enhance a balanced life. It keeps people together sometimes. I know it does for me! Lucky me, I am doing my favorite hobby right now, writing! Writing for you all, writing to have a voice, writing to express myself. The cool thing about a hobby is that tit can be whatever you want to be. You could be a bee keeper, a stamp collector, a singer, dancer, artist, writer, car collector: the list goes on and on and on. Having a hobby always speaks to me because it is rare in this life that we get to choose things to be done our way, whenever we want, and how we want. As humans, we get locked in routine. We get faced with things we can not control. But hobbies? All our own.

There are so many reasons to get a hobby, but here's six that really hit home with me on why.

1. They reduce stress.

How often are we just down and out and need a little pick-me-up? Find something you love, and live in it.

2. They can help you make new friends.

When someone picks up a hobby, it is probably safe to say that someone else is doing it, too. The perfect conversation starter and a gateway to friendships. Who doesn't love doing something alongside someone who can relate to their passion?

3. It allows you to want to embark on new adventures.

You never know what picking up a new hobby might be like. You might think, "I totally hate knitting," or "I can't really paint." But what if you tried it? Hobbies open up doors to things you may not know you even love in the long run.

4. Keeps your life steady and feeling good.

Sometimes when things really get you down, you don't feel like doing much of anything until you remember that you haven't done it in awhile, then it comes up—I forgot I used to love that. I should try it again. It keeps life fresh and feel like a new outlet.

5. It allows you to see yourself accomplish something.

Back to cool things about hobbies, you can do it on your own time. Meaning you don't have the stress or worry, anxiety or panic, over a time crunch. You're doing it because you love it and enjoy it. So whenever that day comes that you complete what you're doing, you'll feel that sense of accomplishment.

6. It creates a passion like no other.

Some people take hobbies and make careers out of them. They love it, live it, breathe it. No matter how big or small. Who wouldn't love to do what they love every day?

So wether you decide to keep bees, paint portraits, run, juggle, write, sing at the top of your lungs, dance in circles, or collect cars and stamps—get a hobby and stick with it.

"Today is life - the only life you are sure of. Make the most of today. Get interested in something. Shake yourself awake. Develop a hobby. Let the winds of enthusiasm sweep through you. Live today with gusto." - Dale Carnegie