An Appreciation Post For The “Mom Hobbies”

As I began one of my most recent projects, I thought about how important it is, both as mom and as a person, to have a hobby. I feel like moms spend most of their days caring and doing for others. I don’t know about you, but at the end of the day, I have done very little for myself.

So, I would like to take a moment to appreciate what I am calling the “mom hobbies,” the things we do that help keep our sanity. 

When I was thinking about writing about my specific hobby, I realized how impossible that would be for me. To sum it up, I would say I am a collector. What do I collect exactly? I collect hobbies. I like to think I just do projects. Generally, the things I enjoy are creative. I like mindless and tedious things that result in something pretty. I have gotten into rhinestoning. I have made and decorated purses, bottles, and even an entire blazer to fit in with an Alice in Wonderland event I went to. 

I also like to plan things and host. I have written about the slightly excessive birthday parties I like to plan for my son and always being the hostess when it comes to holidays. My latest thing to plan is a road trip to Florida. Traveling with a special needs child so far away takes a lot of planning. Luckily, it’s something I like to do. So we now have a plan, which of course includes many custom designed matching outfits. 

Designing those themed outfits led me into my latest creative outlet: I have learned to hand embroider. It’s almost like coloring an image, but with thread. I have found that I really enjoy it. This is still a new addition to my hobby repertoire so I have not completed very many projects, but believe I am currently working on several. 

Am I an expert in these things? Absolutely not, though each time I do a project, no matter the medium, I improve. I think that is half the fun. Does everything I do come out perfect? Of course not, but truly what is perfect? That really is the beauty of creating an artistic piece: it tells a story, imperfections and all. 

After attending a Knoxville mom event at Good Girl Books, I realized how many of my fellow Knoxville moms enjoy reading. I can understand how that can be an escape. Another Knoxville mom told me she enjoys writing fan fiction. She also mentioned junk journaling.  This is an art of using various items to create a unique take on a journal. This can be discarded items, stickers, receipts, pretty much anything. This sounds so much fun to me – perhaps I will have to try that next. I truly have to say I am extremely jealous of people who use physical activity as their hobby. Whether that’s running, doing yoga, or going to the gym. I wish I were one of those people. I really enjoy going on walks, but that is where my desire ends. Anything more I have to force myself to do. 

There are so many hobby options. The greatest thing is that we don’t all have to enjoy the same thing. It is all about what YOU enjoy and what makes YOU happy.

If you’re looking to connect with someone, chances are there is someone else out there that enjoys the same thing. What a fun bond it is when you find someone with similar interests! Join a Facebook group for that topic, invite friends over for a craft day, or go to live book readings…the options are endless. 

If you don’t have a hobby that helps you relax, decompress and/or escape, I encourage you to find one. Carve out a little time to yourself. It can help you keep that little bit of sanity, give you a moment of peace, and maybe it can open the door to a new friendship.