Experimenting with Midlife Hobbies

I took up sewing during the pandemic and for months I kept myself busy by sewing aprons, baby bibs, baby blankets, potholders, and pajama bottoms. I even took on an adventurous project, a kimono jacket, that turned out just lovely and I wear it now and then.

Sewing was a wonderful escape for me during those long months of lockdown and I can't tell you how much I looked forward to receiving packages of fabric, thread, needles, and patterns in the mail. What a thrill.

The experience taught me a valuable lesson, I needed hobbies in my life. It took a pandemic to remind me just how much I missed them. Lesson learned, big time. 

Since then, I've been jumping from hobby to hobby, trying my hand at so many things I won't even list them here. Okay, I'll list a few: watercolors, podcasting, blogging, baking,mystery writing, and crocheting. 

Some of these hobbies are new to me, while others were rediscovered after decades of neglect. For 30 years, I gave up interests and passions to raise a family, tend to my career, and manage other responsibilities. Now my children are grown, and there's time to pursue interests and passions again. I'm leaning in. 

A friend recently commented that she didn't have any particular hobbies and didn't know what she might be interested in pursuing. My problem is I'm interesting in everything. It's the nailing down that's hard. But midlifers like us don't have to commit to any specific hobby or be particularly good at it to find enjoyment. The fun is in the trying. 

For anyone wanting to add a little fun, education and passion to life, consider the following tips I shared with my friend about finding hobbies and enjoying the process:

Think About Your Childhood Hobbies for Inspiration

I've found that I still enjoy all the interests I had as a tween: hiking, crochet, sewing, painting, pretty much everything. If you loved to draw when you were young, grab a pencil and a small sketch pad and get to work. If you liked being outdoors, think about fishing, camping or hiking. Your younger self may still be inside you, wanting to break free. Now's the time to find out.

Give Yourself Permission to Grow and Learn

Do NOT worry about success. Hobbies are for enjoyment. Give yourself permission to learn and even to fail.

Ask Friends for Ideas

Sometimes, friends know us better than we do. Ask your friends for suggestions if you're looking for hobby ideas and inspiration. I started sewing again because my friend reminded me that if I enjoyed it once, I probably still would.

Money Doesn't Have to Be an Obstacle

There are a number of hobbies that require serious investments, but others that have practically zero start-up costs. If you don't have the budget for expensive equipment or classes, zero in on hobbies that you can do without breaking the bank. 

Know Yourself

I'm an introvert, and the hobbies I enjoy the most are those I can do by myself. But others may want to embrace interests that involve others. Or, maybe you want a little of both. Think about what brings you happiness and peace to discover your next big pastime.