Exciting Endings and New Beginnings
As my college graduation approaches, I have found that this is a vital time to focus on myself. I’ve always had a multitude of interests but have found it difficult in the past to find time where I can fully explore them. This year, I am choosing to focus on creating time for myself and strive to take the ending of my college career as the beginning of my exploration of new hobbies. By taking this time for myself, the personal interests that were once ignored have now become the source of mental clarity and happiness in my everyday life.
Personal Interests and Hobbies
By taking control of how I spend my free time, I have found activities that emanate more joy in my life. I have been drawing, biking, and doing henna at local events all of which help me practice mindfulness while exploring my creative side. As I use my free time in new and fun ways, I find myself the happiest, and want to share advice on how I have been able to discover and indulge in new passions.
Trying New Things
I find new interests or rediscover old ones by continuing to try new things. You might think that this is easier said than done, and I would usually agree; However, I would also challenge you to try one new activity this week, whether it be rollerskating with some friends at that new roller rink you always talk about together, or just sitting down and drawing on any piece of scrap paper you have around your room. Activities do not have to be a collected group effort or an organized affair but can rather be last minute acts sprung from curiosity and appeal. After any of these activities, try to reflect on the experience and notice if you feel any different.— It could be possible you feel more focused, lighter, and happier after trying something and succeeding, or even trying something and failing. If you feel worse, it is likely the case that it was not the right hobby for you. Whether you liked the new activity or not, what's important is that you tried it, and now it’s time to keep trying until you find something you really connect with.
Embracing failure
An important part of delving into new hobbies and experiencing new things is to embrace failure. An inherent and unavoidable part of trying something new is the possibility that you might not be good at it or you might even fail the first few times. When this happens it’s imperative to not get discouraged and give up altogether, but try again and recognize that failure is part of the journey.
Key Takeaways:
Find the right hobby for you. Try a variety of different activities and see what sticks.
Find the time. It is so important to find the hobbies that make you happy and set aside time to explore them.
Embrace failure. Try again and again no matter how many times you fail.
