We hobby hop around here. But is that really such a bad thing?
Each hobby ignites something in me that I can't explain, and I usually allow it to inspire me so quickly that I'm darting out the door and heading to the craft store before I can even explain what I'm doing to my poor husband. Painted candles, embroidery, jewelry making, digital drawing, photography, I mean you name it and I'm sure I've given it a shot. I used to beat myself up over this—wondering if I was just someone who couldn’t stick with anything. I felt like people branded me as a scattered woman who bounced from one thing to another. However, embracing my serial hobbyist nature has been one of the most freeing things I’ve done. Transformative even.
Something I've been doing lately is changing how I describe myself so I'm view myself in too much of a negative light. Instead of the word "bossy", I prefer to use "assertive" and "proactive". Instead of being a "serial hobbyist", I'd prefer to call myself "multi-passionate". To think about having only one major hobby bores me, and the same has gone for my career. While there's been a few things that I've always come back to because they spark so much joy in me, I don't think I'll ever stop trying new hobbies. To be completely transparent, being a person who enjoys getting obsessed with a new hobby does come with some struggles. I can't tell you how many times I've immersed myself in Youtube videos for hours researching tutorials, following different people on Instagram who post frequently about the hobby, and purchased materials and equipment to dive right in only to lose that excitement shortly after and be left with the regret of how much money I spent for that temporary fufillment.
I’ve learned that it’s super helpful essential to take a few days before diving into a new hobby. Let the clarity kick in and be sure it's something that is worth your time, money, and creativity on. I’m the type of person who can be inspired in .5 seconds by a viral trend (I'm talking about you, charm necklaces) and giving it time helps me figure out if the excitement is just a fleeting spark or something I’ll actually enjoy. Even if I don’t stick with every hobby, the joy I get from discovering new interests is worth it and taking a few days allows me to get that clarity on if the investments I'm making will be worth the temporary feels. It’s not about sticking with one thing—it’s about enjoying the journey of trying new things.
One of my favorite surprises about this hobby-hopping thing is how it’s made me better at connecting with people. I’m not the biggest extrovert out there, but I do love bonding over shared interests with others, even if we just met. By trying different hobbies, I’ve become a pretty good conversationalist and can chat with almost anyone. I like to share the little (or lot) that I do know about the specific hobby and learn from others on how they started, what they've learned, tips and anything else they're open to sharing. A lot of people like to share things that they're passionate about too if given the opportunity. Trying so many different things has given me a bunch of conversation starters at my disposal. I love finding common ground with people I might not have otherwise connected with.
I’ve also figured out that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to try something new. If you’re interested in making your own custom T-shirts, for example, you don’t need to buy a Cricut machine right away. You can use print-on-demand services or even borrow equipment from friends. It’s all about finding creative ways to explore without blowing your budget.
I used to cringe at the phrase “Jack of all trades, master of none.” It seemed like a jab at my inability to focus on just one thing. But then I learned the full quote: “Jack of all trades, master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” That shift in perspective allowed me to recognize that I don't need to fit into a box. I believe that the experiences and excitement that starting new hobby brings to me are well worth the costs, not only monetary but mentally. My diverse interests and skills are actually a strength, not a flaw.
Even if it's not long-term, trying new hobbies can be incredibly rewarding and I'm choosing to embrace being a "serial hobbyist" or like I prefer to say, multi-passionate.
0 comments
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.