I’m not sure what came over me. I am a pretty no-nonsense serious person. But one day I got the random urge to try improv. Yes- like where you stand on stage and make up a comedy act as you go. There was a local theater near me where I had seen a sign for classes, and for some reason, I gave it a go.

As I stepped into the brightly lit studio that first day, my heart was pounding. At forty-something, here I was, about to make a fool of myself. It wasn't something I'd ever imagined myself doing, but there I was, nervously fidgeting and trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach.

A few years ago, my husband and I found ourselves stuck in a weekly routine of work, kids, and not a lot of fun. We both loved board games when we were dating, but after having kids, who were too young for that kind of thing, our games were in a cabinet gathering dust. Our older son had had a few playdates with a buddy from daycare, and the parents seemed really nice but we didn’t know them that well. There was another family in our son’s class we wanted to get to know too.

Between work, home life, and being a mom, I’ve found stress can creep up me quickly. For me, it was the incessant demands of work and personal life that left me feeling drained and anxious, especially in the evenings, when I’d crash in front of the TV. It was during a particularly overwhelming period that I stumbled upon an unexpected solution – knitting.

There’s something magical about getting your hands dirty in the garden. It’s not just about the plants; it’s about finding some calm in a chaotic world. Let me tell you about my journey with gardening and how it became my source of peace.

"Are you sure you want to do this? You are going to look ridiculous. You are too old." The harsh whispers echoed in my mind when I first stepped into an adult ballet class at age 34. The studio smelled of rosin and dreams, and I sensed I’d be an imposter clumsily moving among graceful souls. Little did I know that this seemingly whimsical decision would ignite a transformative journey that would redefine my confidence and unleash my inner expression.

In a world that often celebrates extroverted personalities and outgoing lifestyles, introverts can sometimes feel overlooked or misunderstood. But being an introvert is not a weakness; it's a unique trait that comes with its own set of strengths and preferences. We often find solace and fulfillment in quieter, solo activities. Here are six hobbies perfectly suited for those who thrive in solitude:

If you ask me what the best hobby in the world is, my answer would be reading. Would I be biased? Maybe a little bit. But falling in love with books has done more than entertain me. It has also given me a community like no other.

There's something so fun about combining simple ingredients into a source of warmth, light, and fragrance. Let me tell you about the wonderful world of candle-making! Here are 5 of my favorite things about making candles:

A few years ago, I found myself in a rut both physically and emotionally. I was feeling stagnant in my workouts and yearning for something more in life. My friend suggested I join her local running group, and little did I know, it would change my life in ways I never imagined.

In the middle of life's chaos, it can be hard to find peace. But for me, I found a safe place full of messy, soft clay. Pottery has changed my life– It used to be just a hobby, but now it's my therapy, my friend, and my artistic outlet. In the workshop, I found more than just an interest. I found a place to get away from the world, develop a deeper understanding of myself, and explore my creativity. I found a deep way to heal and learn about myself through the simple act of shaping clay.

Engage in some creative fun this summer, and maybe find a new favorite hobby.

I never imagined that hopping on a mountain bike would lead to some of the most valuable life lessons I'd ever learn. But over the years, pedaling through the trails, facing challenging terrains, and pushing my limits have molded me into a stronger, more resilient person.

I can't help but marvel at how one activity, rock climbing, has completely revolutionized the way I approach staying fit and healthy. What started as a casual interest quickly turned into a passion, and now, it's an integral part of my life that has not only made me physically stronger and more agile but has also brought me closer to nature and significantly improved my mental well-being.

12 Summer Hobbies for the Water Enthusiast

When I was an up-and-coming writer, I worked at a multitude of outlets and did a large variety of work. Entering this industry was exciting, but also brought many challenges. Long work hours, plenty of overtime, and the necessity to constantly be available at any time to cover that next big piece of news put a strain on my mental health.

9 Active Outdoor Hobbies for Summer

Everyone worries, feels anxious, and doesn't know what to do. During hard times, find comfort and joy in things that help you grow. Wildlife photography has changed my life by giving me a way to get away from the stress of everyday life and connect with nature. 

Longer days and warmer weather mean it’s time to get outdoors! If you are an outdoor enthusiast, ry one of these unique hobbies this summer.