For the love of hobbies

why we all need a hobby (or two!)

One of the best things my husband, Austin, and I have done since becoming parents has been to each carve out one, recurring night a week where we are not on parenting duty and can pursue a hobby. For Austin, it’s road biking on Wednesdays. For me, it’s horseback riding on Fridays (that’s right, I’m a horse girl lol). I know that every Wednesday evening, I’m putting the kids to bed by myself, and Austin knows that every Friday night, he’s doing it by himself. Pretty much no matter what.

Fridays with the best boy, Rion (short for Orion’s Belt)

Having this time weekly allows us not only to escape the monotony of day-to-day life and parenting (sorry, kids, love you!!), but also to do our own thing, which is something that can be so rare as an adult. Plus, it gives each of us one night a week to be in full control of the evening routine and do it however we want. Don’t feel like cooking dinner? Great, pancakes it is. Don’t feel like giving the kids a bath? Great, skip it. Don’t feel like fighting with our 5yo about bedtime? Great, it’s movie night in bed after the baby goes to sleep.

I have a pretty strong opinion that everyone needs a hobby, something that allows you to get out of your head and is uniquely yours. For me, time spent at the barn has been some of the best therapy and has gotten me through some very tough seasons over the last few years.

So! If you don’t have a hobby of your own currently, let this be your inspiration! It doesn’t need to be a multi-hour commitment and it doesn’t need to cost a lot of money.

Hobbies can take all different forms, but here are some of my thoughts for getting the most out of one right away:

• it shouldn’t involve your partner or immediate family

• it shouldn’t be associated with an additional revenue stream

• it’s something that you can do for yourself at least once a week

• you get excited about the idea of getting better at it over time

• it clears your head and leaves you feeling refreshed (and like your best self)

Alright, that’s my Monday motivation! Enjoy your evenings and can’t wait to hear all about your hobbies :)

x