New Leaves

The other day I had a conversation with my husband.

“I have a problem,” I said. “What’s the problem?” he said. “I’m hobbyless,” I answered “Hobbyless? What does that mean? Is that even a word?” my husband replied. “Yes, it’s a word. I looked it up. It is an adjective that describes someone who does not have any hobbies or recreational activities that they enjoy in their free time. It implies a lack of engaging pastimes or interests.” I added.

Since I stopped working I have become aware of my lack of outside interests. When a friend said I was so lucky to have time off to pursue my hobbies, I wasn’t sure what she meant. Being a full-time employee and full-time parent/wife pretty much consumed all of my time. At the end of the day, I looked forward to laying around and doing nothing. Spending time on a hobby never entered my mind as something to do.

When I think of hobbies I think of activities like: gardening, sewing, playing the guitar, dancing, knitting, painting, and doing needlepoint. Aside from dancing, I don’t have an interest in doing any of those things. I began to wonder, “Maybe I should consider looking into some new interests?”

According to my brief research, over 67% of Americans have some sort of hobby. I read several articles saying eveyone should have five or more hobbies, but five is preferred. The “five hobbies theory” suggests that having five distinct hobbies, each serving a specific purpose (like making money, staying in shape, being creative, building knowledge, and evolving one’s mindset), can lead to a more fulfilling and well-rounded life. This framework aims to encourage a balanced approach to personal growth and work-life harmony. 

Good grief. Coming up with five hobbies sounds exhausting. I like watching Korean TV Dramas, is that considered a hobby? I work out to You Tube videos, maybe that’s considered a hobby too. I am obsessed with capsule wardrobes and can spend hours creating amazing travel outfits with clothes I’ll never own. And also love listening to self-awareness advice from Instagram folks who have their act together, play Broadway showtunes while I cook, and research new fragrances for each season. These are all activities I do in my spare time. They seem like hobbies to me.

Maybe I should cut myself some slack. Who cares if I don’t do needlepoint? Plenty of people do and love it. There are some new activites I’d like to try, but I’m not going to pressure myself into coming up with five new things. Finding something you love to do in your spare time is what’s most important. My interests may not be typical, but they do represent me and at my age, that is exactly who I want to be.