How Starting a New Hobby at Any Age Brings Joy and Fulfillment
Starting a new hobby can seem intimidating, especially if you think you’re too old or too busy. But let me assure you—you are never too old to learn something new!
I began my own hobby journey later in life, and it has been an incredibly fulfilling experience.
In fact, it runs in the family. My Grandma Naomi started her art journey at 53, and it became her passion. Inspired by her, I picked up the ukulele at 53 and started Tunisian crochet at 52.
Oh, and did I mention that I began this blog as a hobby at the age of 51? Yes, that’s right—this very blog was born from my desire to share my hobbies, adventures, and life lessons with the world. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from all this, it’s that age is just a number when it comes to picking up a new hobby.
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Why Starting a New Hobby Is So Important
Hobbies bring so much joy, satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment. When you’re learning something new, your brain is constantly challenged, and that mental stimulation can be incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re in your 20s or 70s, there’s no reason why you can’t pick up a new hobby and enjoy it.
Starting something new often pulls you out of your comfort zone—and that’s where the magic happens! You grow, evolve, and maybe even surprise yourself with what you’re capable of achieving. And let’s be real, hobbies can also help you unwind, relieve stress, and even combat feelings of isolation.
My Personal Hobby Journey
I’ve tried my hand at several hobbies throughout my life, and every new skill I’ve learned has come with its own set of challenges and triumphs. Here’s a little peek into my journey of starting hobbies later in life.
Knitting at 42
I taught myself how to knit when I was 42. I used YouTube and books and took some online classes. Oh, I wish I had taken pictures to show you what a mess it was. I frogged (ripped) out so many stitches in the beginning, only to start over and repeat the process over and over again. I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to chunk those knitting needles across the living room but I stuck with it and I’ve knit some beautiful pieces. The latest was The Monday Sweater by Petite Knits.
I would say knitting is my favorite hobby, but that would be like picking a favorite child—impossible! I love all my hobbies equally because like essential vitamins nourish different parts of the body, each of my hobbies feeds a unique part of my creative soul in its own special way.
Blogging at 51
Starting a blog wasn’t something I had planned, but it turned into one of the most rewarding hobbies. I began this blog as a way to share my hobbies and life experiences. Writing posts about my various interests, including art, crochet, and music, has allowed me to connect with so many amazing people. It’s also a platform where I can offer inspiration and encouragement to others who might be on the fence about starting something new.
Tunisian Crochet at 52
I discovered Tunisian crochet at 52, and let me tell you—it was love at first stitch! The craft combines elements of knitting and crochet, two of my favorite things, so I quickly became addicted. It’s so calming, and there’s something therapeutic about watching your project take shape. Oh, that Tunisian return pass is so gratifying! It’s like hitting all the green lights while driving through town. If you are interested in learning Tunisian crochet, check out this and this!
Ukulele at 53
At 53, I decided to learn how to play the ukulele. My sons and husband all play an instrument, but not me. I’ve always wanted to learn to play a musical instrument but never have taken the time. The ukulele is known for being beginner-friendly, and you can get a decent one at a reasonable price. After a few online lessons with Matt Stead, I could play simple songs. The feeling of strumming along to my favorite tunes is so exciting! I started with basic chords and worked my way up, and now it’s become a way for me to unwind and express myself in a whole new way!
Learning Resources: Skillshare and YouTube
For anyone looking to begin a new hobby, I cannot recommend Skillshare and YouTube enough. These platforms have been essential for my own learning. Anytime I want to learn a new skill, these are my two main resources besides books!
Skillshare
Skillshare is fantastic for structured learning. Whether you’re interested in painting, crochet, photography, or even writing, you’ll find a course. They have everything imaginable! The platform offers thousands of classes taught by industry professionals, and they are broken down into easy-to-digest lessons. I love how you can go at your own pace—perfect for someone juggling hobbies with other life responsibilities.
YouTube
When it comes to free resources, YouTube is a goldmine! The platform is full of incredible creators offering step-by-step tutorials for practically any hobby you can think of. I’ve used YouTube to learn everything from new crochet stitches to ukulele strumming techniques. The best part? You can pause, rewind, and watch as many times as you need to. Plus, you get to see so many different styles and approaches, which is great for finding what works best for you.
My Favorite Hobbies on the Blog
If you’re curious about some of the hobbies I’ve taken up over the years, check out these posts on my blog Love Always, Naomi:
- Art Journaling – A creative way to document your thoughts, memories, and ideas through visual art.
- Knitting – Explore the tools and resources you need to begin knitting or crochet.
- Baking/Cooking Adventures – From simple cookies to complex cakes, baking has been a fun and rewarding hobby.
- Photography—Capturing beautiful moments through a lens is an incredible way to see the world differently. I’ve always dabbled in photography, but I’ve had to step it up for blogging.
- Quilting – I love creating quilts, especially baby quilts. Most of my work is done on the sewing machine, but several years ago, my sister-in-law introduced me to English paper piecing, and I’ve really taken to it. There’s something incredibly calming about the process, and it’s become one of my favorite ways to unwind.
I encourage you to explore these hobbies and see if any of them pique your interest!
Starting a New Hobby: Where to Begin?
If you’re feeling the urge to start a new hobby, but you’re not sure where to begin, here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Think About What Excites You
What are you curious about? Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn to paint, or you’ve been intrigued by the idea of gardening. Whatever it is, start there! Pick something that sparks joy or curiosity within you.
2. Start Small
You don’t need to purchase all the fancy tools or supplies right away. (This is advice I need to take, lol!). For example, if you’re interested in painting, start with a basic set of watercolors. If it’s photography, use your smartphone to snap some shots. Starting small will keep things manageable and prevent overwhelming, and you’ll see if it’s even the right fit for you.
3. Use Online Resources
As I mentioned earlier, Skillshare and YouTube are fantastic resources for beginners. Whether you want to learn the basics of knitting, painting, or even basket weaving, you name it, and you’ll find a tutorial that matches your skill level. Many of the classes on Skillshare are designed for complete beginners so that you can learn at your own pace.
4. Be Patient with Yourself
Learning something new can feel frustrating, especially if things don’t click right away. But remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re part of the learning process!
10 Reasons to Start a New Hobby
Starting a new hobby can be one of the most rewarding decisions you make, no matter your age or experience. Hobbies offer more than just a way to pass the time—they can boost your well-being, enhance your creativity, and even help you connect with others.
- Boosts Mental Health – Engaging in a hobby reduces stress and promotes relaxation, helping to clear your mind.
- Increases Creativity – Hobbies encourage you to think outside the box and explore new ideas.
- Improves Focus and Patience – Learning new skills requires concentration, helping you develop better focus and patience over time.
- Builds Confidence – Mastering a new hobby boosts self-esteem and provides a sense of accomplishment.
- Keeps Your Brain Active – Learning and practicing new hobbies keep your mind sharp and can help reduce cognitive decline.
- Offers Personal Fulfillment – Hobbies provide a sense of purpose and joy that enriches everyday life.
- Expands Social Circles – Many hobbies, like group classes or online communities, allow you to connect with others who share your interests.
- Enhances Time Management – Incorporating hobbies into your routine teaches you how to balance leisure activities with responsibilities.
- Inspires Lifelong Learning – A hobby can spark curiosity and motivate you to continue learning, exploring new fields, and expanding your knowledge.
- Provides an Emotional Outlet – Hobbies, especially creative ones, offer a healthy way to express emotions and cope with challenges.
If you want to explore the medical research of how having a hobby is tied to happiness and well-being take a look at this study by Nature Medicine and here is another great study.
Common Questions About Starting a New Hobby
Why Starting a New Hobby is Always Worth It
Starting a new hobby is one of the best things you can do for yourself—whether you’re 25 or 65. My Grandma Naomi started her art journey at 53, and I followed her footsteps with my own creative endeavors. Some of my hobbies was a total bust but some of them I will be doing for the rest of my life. From Tunisian crochet to playing the ukulele, each new hobby has brought joy, learning, and fulfillment into my life. So, if you’re thinking about starting something new, don’t hesitate. It’s never too late, and the world of hobbies is vast and full of opportunities.
