3 Hobbies I’m Learning In 2022

While I did not make any resolutions this year, I did choose activities and pastimes to focus on. Previous years have seen me dedicated to writing, rewriting and editing the same story. While none of this work was a waste—the practice helped my writing style to improve—it left little room for other hobbies.

In 2022 I have allowed myself some breathing room to explore other things. While I will continue to write (it’s my passion), I won’t be spending as much time on it.

One week into the new year, I have found enjoyment in hobbies that I have long wanted to try. Some of these hobbies include:

Baking

When I’m baking, I feel nostalgic. Baking has been a well-loved activity for centuries. Our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents—go all the way back—have been involved with baking in some way. If they didn’t do the baking, they enjoyed the results, a homemade cake or loaf of bread.

I have not gotten to the homemade bread phase, though I want to. However, I have memorized the recipe to make sugar cookies that my family loves. Nighttime is the best time to bake, especially in the winter. I’ll make a batch of twelve cookies and there are only three left half an hour later.

Watercolor

I admit it: Part of my desire to learn watercolor stems from the trend it’s picking up on the web. With the virus, people are looking for things they can do with their hands—away from screens.

Of all the hobbies I’m taking up, watercolor is the most frustrating because it’s hard to pin down. It is poetry in color, a freestyle poem or a strict sonnet that cannot be modified without losing what it is.

It’s also the activity I have least experience in, which means I’ll be practicing for a while before I like my work. I am happy to report that I can paint a loose flower. Hopefully by the end of the year I’ll create a still-life of a flower vase.

Piano

During the month of December I did not practice piano at all. Despite this, I forgot nothing of what I learned during a summer of practice sessions. Unlike with watercolors, I have enough experience with the piano that it isn’t a frightening prospect to sit down and play. Rather, it’s satisfying to note my improvement.

I have been practicing Christmas songs such as O Christmas Tree and Hark The Herald Angels Sing. This particular songbook used to be difficult for me; now the notes are not such strangers.

I’m not confident enough to record myself playing for Instagram, but maybe one day that will change.

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Maybe you didn’t set resolutions either; which hobbies are you hoping to sharpen during the new year? Are they activities you have done before, or are you a newbie? Comment and let me know!

And remember—you can do it!