Many years ago on an August day like this one, I started the fourth grade. My teacher passed out a “Get to Know You” form, on which we wrote our birthday, favorite color, favorite food, favorite book, and—a portion I found intimidating—our hobbies. I was far from an athlete, so I couldn’t jot down “swimming” or “soccer” because I didn’t have the skills to back them up. I loved to read, but I didn’t want to sound too bookish. Spending time with friends was my favorite thing to do, but I wasn’t even sure that counted. I sheepishly wrote, “reading, hanging out with friends, shopping, and gymnastics,” even though my cartwheel left much to be desired. 

For years following this elementary school day, I felt insecure when asked about my hobbies. What even counts as a hobby? Does it have to involve sports or some form of manual labor? Does it have to involve actual skills? What if you’re just an amateur at most things like me? However, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that the Merriam-Webster definition of “hobby” is true: “a pursuit outside one’s regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation.” We don’t have to overcomplicate finding a hobby. And while we do this, we can bring others in as we learn new things and use some of our spare time to create, relax, delight, and find joy in the little things. 

Here are some ways to find new hobbies and meet new people in the process: 

See what activities your church offers.

I was surprised to learn that my church has a women’s sewing group, and I was even more surprised to learn how multigenerational the group is! We’re all there to learn from women who are steps ahead of us and to create together. Whether it’s a sewing group, a young adult pickleball league, a cooking club, or something totally different, you may find exactly what you’re looking for within the walls of your church. 

Look up classes offered at your local community center.

From pottery classes to creative writing classes to gardening classes, these may already be available right in your town! 

Start a hobby group of your own.

Thanks to YouTube, we can learn new skills from the comfort of our homes and invite others in to learn with us too! Hand embroidery can be self-taught, and needlepoint can be, too. Here are some additional ideas for new hobby groups you can start: 

• Bunco 
• Mahjong 
• Book club 
• Recipe club (where everyone cooks a favorite recipe and brings recipe cards to share it) 

Invite some friends, ask these friends to invite their friends, and before you know it, you’ll have a group of new people over, all learning new things and enjoying fellowship together too. 

Finding a hobby and meeting new friends doesn’t have to be intimidating. Whether you join your church’s sewing group, take a local pottery class, or start your own book club, may you cling to 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” Happy hobby-ing!  

ABOUT OLIVIA THAMES

Olivia Thames is a writer based in Nashville, Tennessee. She loves using words and humor to connect everyday experiences to the hope we have in Jesus. When she doesn’t have a pen in her hand, you can find her laughing with friends and loved ones, eating Mexican food with her husband, attempting to garden, and affirming her pit bull terrier chihuahua, King Curtis. Follow along at @oliviawithapen and oliviathames.com. 

 

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