I find that the older I get, the less adults share their hobbies with others. I know that those of you with kids in the house may not have as much time as those of us without kids, but I also know that everyone has their own interests. I also think that it’s time to stop celebrating a culture of always being too busy.  Work isn’t meant to be a 24/7 enterprise, and having hobbies helps us step away from the non-stop inbox demands.

I love hearing how other people chose to spend their free time (however much or little that is in a given time of your life!).  I was reminding of this topic while listening to a podcast episode of The Glo Show by Gloria, who shared her own hobbies. Here are a few of my hobbies.

• Reading: If you’ve read any of my previous blog posts, you must know that I love to read! Reading is relaxing to me, but it is also educational, informative, and entertaining. I love learning about new places, meeting interesting characters, and getting lost in a fictional world that is a little nicer than our real world can be at times. Here is a list of what I read in 2020.
• Podcasts: Over the last few years I’ve gotten more into podcasts. I like listening to short, manageable stories while on my commute to and from work. I know there are amazing education-related podcasts out there, but I prefer to spend my time just before and after work listening to non-education topics.  Here are a few of my favorite podcasts these days: 10 Things to Tell You, Office Ladies, The Glo Show, Women & Money, Smartless, Literally, The Lazy Genius, Armchair Expert, Brene Brown. The first two in the list I listen to weekly without fail.  The rest will depend on my mood, and the guest or topic of the show.
• Taking pictures: I won’t call this photography, because I have limited skills that I haven’t attempted to grow, but I do enjoy taking pictures. I take walks outside as often as I can, and I try to take at least one picture on each walk. Walking is also a hobby at this point! I love nature, and finding beauty in small or unexpected places. I also love being able to look back at my pictures from years past, and remember where I was and what was going on in my life and/or the world.
• Travel: This is a hobby I have missed so much over the last year. I love traveling and visiting new places. I have a number of friends who I enjoy traveling with, and we are all ready to book our next adventures as soon as it is safe to do so. There are still so many places to visit on my travel bucket list!
• Music: When I’m not listening to podcasts or audiobooks in my car, I love to blast my favorite songs and sing along! Music always makes me happy. I’ve missed live concerts over the past year as well, and look forward to going to concerts and theater performances again in the future.
• Writing: This is a hobby that I know many people don’t share with me. Many adults (and children) seem to dislike writing, but I have always loved to write. I’ve been an amateur writer my entire life. Some days I blog, other days I journal, and sadly most days I write emails at a minimum. I’ve decided to challenge myself to write something every day for the month of January, so you may see a few more blogs pop up! Some of the things I write will not be published, but some will for sure.

A picture from Iceland last year that incorporates travel, taking pictures, and walking

What are some of your hobbies?