Alright, let’s talk about trying new hobbies and finding passions. It’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately, because, let’s be honest, life can get a little routine. You work, you eat, you sleep—rinse and repeat. And while that rhythm has its place, sometimes you need to shake things up. That’s where hobbies come in.

I’ll start by saying this: trying something new can feel awkward at first. It’s easy to get stuck in your head, thinking, “What if I’m terrible at this?” or “I’m too old to start something new.” But honestly, who cares? The whole point of a hobby is that it’s not about being good at it. It’s about exploring, having fun, and maybe discovering something about yourself along the way.

For me, running has always been a big part of my life. But a few months ago, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try something completely different: watercolor painting. Let me tell you, I had no idea what I was doing. The first time I picked up a brush, I made this weird, blotchy mess that was supposed to be a sunset. But you know what? It was fun. There was something freeing about just letting the colors flow, even if the end result wasn’t exactly Instagram-worthy.

That’s the thing about hobbies—they don’t have to be about producing something perfect. They’re about the process, about losing yourself in the moment. And sometimes, they lead you down paths you never expected. Like, with painting, I found myself paying more attention to the little details around me—the way the light hits a building, or how the sky changes color at dusk. It’s given me a new way to see the world.

Another hobby I picked up recently is rock climbing. Now, I know that sounds like the polar opposite of painting, but hear me out. What I love about climbing is that it forces you to be present. You can’t think about your to-do list when you’re halfway up a wall, trying to figure out your next move. And there’s this incredible sense of accomplishment when you finally make it to the top. It’s not just physical—it’s mental, too. You’re problem-solving, challenging yourself, and, honestly, sometimes just trying not to freak out.

If you’re not sure where to start with new hobbies, my advice is to think about what excites you—even if it’s just a little spark of curiosity. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn an instrument, or you’ve been intrigued by gardening, or you’ve wondered what it’s like to bake sourdough bread. Whatever it is, just give it a shot. Worst-case scenario, it’s not your thing, and you move on to something else. Best-case scenario, you discover a new passion.

It’s also worth mentioning that hobbies don’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. There are so many free or low-cost options out there, especially with the internet. For example, if you’ve ever wanted to explore a creative side, there are tons of tutorials and classes online. Skillshare is a great resource for that. They offer courses on everything from photography to writing to learning the ukulele. It’s a really easy way to dip your toes into something new without a big commitment.

And if you’re someone who thrives on community, there are so many ways to connect with others who share your interests. Meetup groups, local workshops, even online forums—it’s all out there. When I started climbing, I joined a local climbing gym, and it was amazing how welcoming and supportive everyone was. It’s like you’re automatically part of this little tribe, all cheering each other on.

One of the coolest things about hobbies is how they can evolve. Sometimes, what starts as a casual interest turns into something bigger. A few years ago, I got into cooking as a way to eat healthier, but over time, it became this creative outlet for me. I started experimenting with different cuisines, learning about flavors and techniques, and now it’s something I genuinely look forward to. It’s not just about making food—it’s about the joy of creating something with my own hands.

Hobbies also have this way of sneaking into other parts of your life. They teach you patience, persistence, and how to be okay with failure. I mean, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve burned something in the kitchen or fallen off a climbing wall. But those moments teach you to laugh at yourself, to get back up and try again.

At the end of the day, finding a new hobby is about giving yourself permission to explore. It’s about breaking out of the routine and letting yourself play, even if it feels a little silly at first. Because who knows? That thing you try on a whim might just turn into the passion that lights you up for years to come.