I find as I get older, I’m learning to focus on what really makes me feel like my true self, and a big part of that has been my hobbies. I have three and they each serve me in different ways.

Writing fiction – I have been writing fiction since third grade. It provides me with a creative outlet and a way to explore my own thoughts and feelings.

Gaming – I grew up playing video games and have never lost interest in them. Some people see adult gamers as immature but I remember my grandparents sitting at a table in the evening playing solitaire or doing a puzzle and feel that video games are just the modern version of that, a way to relax and decompress.

Crochet – I taught myself to crochet years ago after receiving a hand made blanket from a coworker. It meant so much to me and I loved the idea of making things that I could gift to others. Finishing a project is rewarding and seeing how happy the things I create make others makes me happy.

I’ve tried my hand at a few other things over the years but I only found time to really commit to hobbies recently. I hope I don’t outgrow them or lose interest in them, they help make me who I am.