Hi there, beauties!
As we move into our 30s and 40s, life often feels like it’s taken on a steady rhythm. Many of us have finished school, established our careers, and started growing our families. And while that brings a sense of accomplishment, it also means that much of our time and energy is devoted to others—our husbands, our kids, our jobs, our households, our pets, our aging parents, etc.. But once you’ve got the routine of your everyday life down, this stage can also offer a beautiful opportunity: to reconnect with ourselves and rediscover the things we once loved, or even explore new passions that we’ve never had the time or courage to try while in the process of growing into full adulthood.
Our 30s are a time of growth and stability, but they’re also a time to nurture our well-being in ways that perhaps we’ve neglected and stir things up for ourselves to keep our brains active and creatively satisfied. In fact, we can’t be the best partner, mother, or boss babe unless we’re first the best and most happy SELF. So doing things that allow you to create and have time with your passions is vital for your well-being and self care. One of the most powerful ways to nurture this is by diving back into hobbies we used to love before the hectic life set in or trying out brand-new ones.
Why Rediscover Old Hobbies?
Think back to the things you loved to do before life got so busy. Maybe it was painting, journaling, dancing, or baking. Perhaps you loved photography or reading books that had nothing to do with self-improvement or work. These old passions are like little treasures waiting to be uncovered again. Picking them back up isn’t just about doing something fun; it’s about reconnecting with a part of yourself that’s been quiet for a while. Plus, it might be fun to see how your hobby has changed or grown throughout the years with things like new discoveries, technologies, authors, or classes available.
Engaging in these activities can bring a sense of joy and creativity into your life that spills over into every area—boosting your mood, helping you manage stress, and reminding you of who you are outside of your roles as a wife, parent, or professional.
How to Pick Up an Old Passion
If there’s a hobby you used to love but haven’t touched in years, start small. Dust off that old paintbrush, journal, or camera, and set aside 15 minutes a day or a few hours a week. It doesn’t have to be perfect or even productive. It can just be about enjoying the process, especially to start with. If you used to dance, find a class online or just dance around your living room! YouTube is an excellent way to get started with something at no cost before deciding to dive back in full time; just to be sure you still have the same passion you once did. Give yourself permission to enjoy these moments without the pressure of achieving anything. This time is for you and your creativity.
Exploring New Hobbies and Interests
Maybe your interests have shifted in the last decade or two and that’s okay! The beauty of being in your 30s or older is that we’ve learned more about who we are and what we value. So why not explore something new?
If you’ve always been curious about something but never had the time—pottery, yoga, gardening, knitting, or even learning an instrument—now is a great time to start. There’s a certain freedom in knowing you’re never too old to begin something new. Trying something unfamiliar can stimulate your mind, challenge you, and give you a fresh perspective on what you’re capable of.
Hobbies as Self-Care
Whether it’s an old passion or a brand-new interest, hobbies are a form of self-care. They give you a break from the routine and allow you to focus on something that makes you feel good. They offer a creative outlet, a way to express yourself, and a chance to decompress. When you invest in yourself, you’re better able to handle the demands of life because you’ve taken the time to fill your own cup first. I’ve recently been trying to focus on branching out my hobbies and reconnecting with my passions, as well as trying to learn as many new things as I can since I have a little more time to focus on just me. Trying new recipes, learning Spanish, reading more, and discovering new exercise routines that I love are just among the things I’ve been doing for myself lately. Here are some things you can try to help you get started as well.
Tips for Getting Started
- Make Time: You don’t need hours on end. Start by carving out small pockets of time during your week to devote to your hobby.
- Let Go of Perfection: This is for you! It’s okay if it’s not perfect. Focus on the joy of the process, not the outcome.
- Involve Your Loved Ones (or Not!): Some hobbies can be a wonderful way to bond with family or friends, but others may be your solo time, and that’s just as valuable.
- Join a Community: If your hobby feels lonely, look for local or online groups of people who share your passion. It’s a great way to make new friends and learn from others.
- Keep Exploring: As we grow, so do our interests. Allow yourself to try new things and shift gears as you see fit.
Reconnecting with Yourself
This chapter of life is about so much more than the roles we play for others. It’s about rediscovering the person you are, the passions you have, and the joy you deserve to feel. So go ahead, pick up that old guitar, sign up for that pottery class, or start journaling again. Your 30s are the perfect time to reconnect with your creativity and take care of yourself in ways that truly matter. You’ve earned it!
As always, wishing you lots of love and creativity,
-LS