My Love of Hobbies

Hi guys!! I wanted to start my first blog off with a small introduction! I am Anna, and I am the author of “Return Address”! I chose this name because I want my blogs to be a sense of belonging for everyone, a place you can always come back to, hence the “return address”! It's also a small nod to my love for writing letters and stories as I grew up. In terms of what my blogs are about, I hope to cover a wide range of topics. I love art, movies, and music, as well as really getting into the deeper meaning of things. I am so excited to share my writing with you guys and learn more about one another throughout! Since I plan to discuss a wide variety of topics, I thought it would be fitting and a good way to get to know me for my first blog post to talk about hobbies! I hope you enjoy!

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With the intensity and fast-paced environment of school, our hobbies tend to get pushed down on the list of importance. I know from my experience that as I get more into school, I do my hobbies less and less. If I am not doing something productive, then I am “wasting time”. Then my hobbies slowly get buried in a pile in my room.

 However, I believe hobbies are more important than one might think. Aside from being enjoyable, they give us the space to really shape into who we are and ground ourselves.

Image Source: Anna Rossetti

Art was my earliest hobby. From as early as I can remember, I have loved to draw, play with colors, or just let my imagination run wild. I cannot imagine myself without this. This hobby continues to this day. I don't do it as much anymore, but I wish to change that in the future. Art gives me a space where I don't need to be perfect. It's a pressure-free environment that lets me destress from the overwhelming college schedule. This kind of freedom is rare in our day-to-day.

Another hobby I soon learned to love was music. I remember enjoying choir in elementary school, but nothing quite stuck with me until fifth grade, when I started learning the cello. Now, this is not something I do anymore, but I learned so much from this enriching hobby. I was building countless skills, without realizing it. Orchestra taught me the importance of practicing, something I carry with me today. This hobby also showed me the critical need for communication to ensure balance within a community, or, in my case, my high school orchestra. My experiences playing music helped shape who I am. 

Image Source: Pinterest

Image Source: United Lax

Hobbies can seriously be anything. That's what makes them so fun. I picked up lacrosse during my first year of high school, and it was one of my favorite decisions. I gained countless lessons, memories, and connections that I would have never had without it. Sharing interests makes conversations easier and feels more natural. Even if your hobby is one you do alone, it's nice to know there are others out there finding joy in the same thing.

My hobbies seem all over the place, yes - but that's the beauty of hobbies. Your hobbies don't have to be impressive or productive. They just have to be enjoyable for YOU. Hobbies are a kind way to take care of yourself.

“Ugh, but I don't have any hobbies!” - Well, here are some fun ideas!

• Drawing

• Painting

• Photography

• Cooking

• Working out

• Yoga

• Reading

• Baking

• Dancing

• Gaming

I understand that life is fast and things get busy, but I urge you to find love in a hobby once more. Slow down and reconnect with yourself. Life is about more than just getting through the day. If it brings you joy, it is worth making time for. 

See you guys next week, 

-Anna