Last night I went to dinner with a new girl I had befriended. She’s new to the area, and just getting settled in. While …
Last night I went to dinner with a new girl I had befriended. She’s new to the area, and just getting settled in. While on the topic of finding fun things to do in the bay area and meeting people I mentioned that I’m usually never bored, because I have a lot of hobbies; there’s never a dull moment working for a startup, but on top of that I have my blog, I do Bikram yoga, run 2-3 times a week, cook, read, watch movies, spend time with friends, practice my Spanish, and go out and explore my beautiful state. As you can see I’m not lacking for entertainment, so much so that I’ve lived without cable for over year now, and canceled my Netflix subscription!
Once I had gone through the list I realized that I do a lot! While I am still an amateur at many things, I’ve been practicing most of my hobbies for years so I’ve developed a strong affinity for them.
They help me manage my stress, and keep my life interesting and exciting! I know if I’m having a crappy day at work I can pop into my yoga studio and feel great by the time I leave. Believe me there’s no better way to solve a nasty coding bug than to curse at it, leave it, go sweat for a couple hours, and come back with a clear head!
My hobbies have also helped me gain confidence in my abilities, and make new friends. Recently one of my yoga instructors was so impressed with my practice that she suggested I start training and enroll in the upcoming regional competition. I approached another yoga instructor who’s also a runner, and asked if she does trail running. Next thing I knew she had invited to run with her group the next morning.
Growing up my brother and I used to be on swim team together, and then we learned to snowboard on Mt. Hood. Now, every Christmas when we go home for the holidays we go snowboarding, and when he visits me in the summer we go swimming.
I’ve realized that having hobbies both as a kid, and continuing to pursue them as an adult has kept me happy and healthy. Whenever I have a lonely moment I have a group I can turn to, or some activity that will perk up my spirits. Go out, do, discover, and think!
