Hobbies aren't a luxury, they're a lifeline

Somewhere between building careers, raising families, and chasing goals, many of us forgot how to simply enjoy our own lives. We became experts at performing. Sshowing up, achieving, producing. Then somewhere along the way, we started to believe that slowing down or doing something “just for fun” was a waste of time.

I’ve felt that too. I used to fill every gap in my day with something useful... another task, another call, another piece of content. But recently, I realized how disconnected that left me from the part of myself that’s creative, curious, and content just being.

That’s when it hit me: hobbies aren’t a luxury. They’re a lifeline.

When we allow ourselves to do something for no reason other than it brings joy... painting, reading, gardening, hiking, playing the piano, we reconnect to who we really are underneath all the performing. Hobbies are where potential quietly blooms, because they remind us what it feels like to be fully present, not just productive.

So, I’ve decided to get back in touch with that side of myself. The part that plays, explores, and enjoys. Here’s how I’m doing it:

1. Reflect on What Used to Light Me Up

I’m revisiting the hobbies I loved before life got so structured. Sometimes the best clues are in what we used to lose hours doing without realizing it... writing, photography, music, baking, or anything that brought simple joy.

2. Experiment Without Pressure

I’m letting go of the idea that I have to be good at something for it to be worth my time. The point is to create space for curiosity. Maybe I’ll take a jewelry-making class, practice karoke songs, or spend an afternoon editing a video with no agenda.

3. Schedule It Like It Matters (Because It Does)

If I can schedule meetings and deadlines, I can schedule fun too. I’m blocking time on my calendar each week for hobby time...no guilt, no multitasking.

Because here’s the thing: when we stop performing our lives and start living them, we show up as more grounded leaders, better listeners, and more creative problem-solvers. The kind of people others actually want to follow not because we’re perfect, but because we’re real.

So this is my reminder (to myself and maybe to you, too): the hours that don’t make money are often the ones that make meaning.

I’d love to know... what’s a hobby that helps you relax, recharge, or just feel more like you?