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Finding Joy in the Imperfect: 4 Hobbies That Keep Me Grounded
Hey there! If you’re anything like me, you know that life can sometimes feel a little…well, overwhelming. Between juggling work, life, and everything in between, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos. But over the years, I’ve discovered a few little pockets of joy that help me feel grounded. None of these activities make me a professional (spoiler: I’m not about to launch a gallery exhibit or a cookbook), but each one brings a special sense of peace to my life. From acrylic painting to baking, photography, and even writing a children’s book (yep, I did that!), I’ve found that each of these hobbies feeds my mental wellness in their own quirky ways.
If you have made it here, you may want to start by reading 5 Ultimate Ways Hobbies Boost Mental Wellness
Today, I’m going to share my hobbies with you because who said we can’t enjoy the process even when we’re not perfect?
1. Acrylic Painting: My Colorful Escape (Even When I Can’t Stay Inside the Lines)
Let’s start with acrylic painting. I wouldn’t call myself an artist. In fact, I’ve probably said, “I’m not great at this,” more times than I can count, but who cares? It’s about the process, not perfection, right? Sometimes I just pick up my brushes, squeeze out some paint, and let my mind wander. Sometimes, I paint the same canvas multiple times!
It’s funny, because when I start painting, my mind seems to settle. The stress, the overthinking, it all fades into the background. It’s like my own little world where I can splash colors, make shapes that don’t have to make sense, and get lost in the rhythm of creating something, even if it’s not a masterpiece.
Here’s the thing: no one has to be perfect at something to enjoy it. I mean, my attempt at a still life painting would be more abstract than anything. still life paintings? But that’s okay. You know what else I like about painting? It’s something that I can do with the kiddos, and they enjoy it too. I feel like this allows them to escape as well. Let’s not forget.. kids? teens? They are also humans with life stressors, even though they probably look much different than ours.
Here is a random painting I did.
2. Baking: Sweet Success (And Sometimes, Sweet Failures)
Let’s talk about baking. Ahh, baking. Sometimes it’s a beautiful success, and sometimes… well, sometimes my cookies look more like coal than cute little treats, because my distracted mom brain may have forgotten about the oven. But honestly, even disasters are fun in their own way.
I’ve learned that baking, much like painting, is a mix of following instructions and improvising along the way. It’s a combination of patience and (sometimes) chaos. But whether I’m making a batch of chocolate chip cookies or experimenting with a new cake recipe, the kitchen becomes my playground. And there’s just something so comforting about having a sweet treat at the end of the process, especially if it somehow turns out right! Confession: Cupcakes are my favorite! I love to try to experiment making gourmet type cupcakes.
Baking gives me a chance to slow down. Instead of rushing through the process, I focus on each step, measuring, mixing, waiting for the oven to do its thing. There’s no place for stress in the kitchen. This is the activity that allows me to practice patience. Inevitably, if I rush, I am messing up those cupcakes.
Here is my sister’s wedding cake that I made. She is very trusting.
3. Photography: Capturing the World, One Shot at a Time
Now, let’s get to the real fun: photography. I can’t tell you how much joy this hobby brings me, even though I’m definitely not a professional photographer. I’m just a person with a camera (a Canon Rebel, to be specific) and a passion for capturing life as it happens.
Let’s be real here: I’ve taken more than my fair share of blurry, overexposed, and awkwardly framed photos. But you know what? That’s part of the journey! For me, it’s not about having a perfect shot every time…it’s about learning, experimenting, and finding beauty in the unexpected. Plus, pictures can last a lifetime! (I really am a fanatic.)
I like to think of photography as a little conversation with the world around me. It’s about seeing things that others might miss and finding magic in everyday life. Whether it’s a colorful sunset, a portrait (my favorite), or just a close-up of a flower in bloom, I try to capture moments that make me smile. Sometimes, I get it right. Sometimes, I don’t. But every shot brings me closer to learning what works.
Why I love my Canon Rebel: You might be wondering why I use a DSLR camera like the Canon Rebel T7, especially considering the cost, instead of just my phone (which, let’s be honest, takes decent photos these days). Here’s the deal: the Rebel just feels different. It’s like having a little more control over the shot, whether I’m playing with aperture, shutter speed, or just going for that perfect bokeh effect. (I cannot tell you how excited I was the first time I accomplished the bokeh effect on my own!) There’s something so satisfying about adjusting the settings and capturing a moment in a way that feels uniquely mine.
I’ll share my set up below. (No pressure to buy.) In addition to these items, I have multiple wide-angle lenses, several backup batteries, external flashes, etc. I didn’t share them here, because honestly, I do not use them often. For me the value did not outweigh the cost.
Bestseller #1
Bestseller #2
Bestseller #3
4. Writing a Children’s Book: A New (and Totally Surprising) Adventure
And then, there’s the latest chapter in my hobby journey: writing a children’s book. I honestly never thought I’d do it! I mean, writing? Sure. But publishing a book? It just felt like an impossible dream. And yet, here I am, having published a little book that I poured my heart into. Literally, because Princess Fancy Pants started as stories to my own kids. The book became a way to bring these stories to life for my children, but honestly, it was just as much for me as it was for them. You can read about the book here.
Why These Hobbies Matter for Mental Wellness
Here’s the thing: none of these hobbies are going to turn me into a famous artist, photographer, baker, or author. But you know what? That’s totally okay. They bring me joy, help me de-stress, and give me a way to unplug from the world for a while. When I get lost in painting, baking, or taking photos, I’m grounded in the moment, completely focused on just being.
Mental wellness is all about finding balance and doing things that make us feel good. For me, it’s not about being the best at anything, it’s about embracing the process and letting creativity take me wherever it leads. Whether it’s splashing paint on a canvas, snapping a photo, or trying out a new recipe, these hobbies remind me to take a deep breath and enjoy life a little more.
Conclusion:
So, there you have it. My little world of imperfect, creative fun. These hobbies sure make me happy and honestly, that’s what matters. I encourage you to find your own creative outlets, no matter what they are. Whether you’re a painter, baker, photographer, writer, or just someone who enjoys a hobby or two, embracing joy in the journey (mistakes included) can have a major impact on your mental wellness. Read more about why hobbies are good for your mental wellness in my other blog post, 5 Ultimate Ways Hobbies Boost Mental Wellness.
Thanks for taking a peek into my colorful, chaotic world. If you have any questions about my hobbies, or want to share yours, leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!
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