Time for a new hobby

[snaggley]

Empty nest syndrome hit me this Christmas, all these years of bringing the kids up alone and now they are off enjoying their lives. Lucky buggers! I can't retire for a few years yet but I know it's time I finally did something for me and would like to try something new and get a hobby. Any of you vipers have any suggestions as I'm not sure where to start now I'm not a young-un?

Well the worlds your lobster… what are you interested in ? A sport, a craft, meeting men and women?

Rock choir. Love it.

Used to love running as only form of exercise I enjoyed, then I broke a hip - not connected. Cant run now and are v out of shape.

It's a good question as to what do I like, not a lot currently. Stuck in a bit of a rut.

Hi Op
There's lots of new interests to discover out there,
I know what you mean, its all to easy to lose your identity when your in the thick of,it as mother with endless demands,

I take part in Art 🎨 and Crafts workshops, a mix of one day Art session or over a number of weeks,
I try a eclectic choice of Artistic mediums such as water colour, mixed medium, collage, oil /gouache,
Also been to life modelling Art class , which is different, good to come along to,
I have also been a life model once myself that was quite experience,

I wish I had discover Artistic crafts a long time,ago as its so therapeutic,
It's like active meditation,
You forget about any stress or worries whilst doing this, you get so much absorbed in what you doing and Art classes are suitable for all levels of ability from beginners upwards,,

Also what I find really interesting is the eventbrite website,
You can take part in online 🎨 Art workshops from anywhere in 🌎 world, for reasonable charge,
You can also see very interesting Talks/short lectures on various subjects in relation to Art for e.g feminism Art , female explorer's from history and Botanical plants 🪴 they collected,
Eventbrite is a website that has a range of leisure activities you can do online or vist in person to do,
Have a go

The Ramblers or another walking group?
Geocaching?
Nordic pole walking?
Painting?
photography?

Volunteering.
Following your local football or rugby team.
Bread, or cake, baking.
Learn a new language.

Have a look at local adult education classes. All sorts of things may be offered. You might like to try a term's course, in something you'd never thought of before. No great commitment. Or it might give you ideas for other things you might do. Also have a look in your local library and council sports centre for activities advertised.

Hi Op
Eventbrite website offers so much more than just Art classes,
Also look on youtube as this website you can watch experts on how they create and do so many things,you are interested in too,

Felt making is another craft I have taking part in, there's wet felting too,never tried this ,but like to,
You have reminded me with your thread Op,
that I would like to try Applique/quilting top,
I have tried 🧺 basket weaving, but I tend to struggle learning technique,

Volunteering is a good one, Volunteering with nature /conservation slant, I enjoy doing,
I think all types of Volunteering is rewarding, I know sounds a cliche but it definitely is enjoyable ,you get as much out of it,as much as you put in,
What about Volunteering at a historical tourists acctraction if you have something like this, Nearby or relatively easy to get to

Womens institute
Amateur dramatics society

Nordic pole walking might fill a running hole. I agree about volunteering but I already work for a charity and fancy a totally change. Am dram and singing my kinda hell.

Never thought of eventbrite as thought that was just work events 🙄 thanks

Well I go to the gym as a necessity but I prefer riding if I’m honest ( but is expensive where I live). I’ve also previously done a dance class, netball, Thai boxing and yoga / Pilates for some variety. There are a million forms of exercise including martial arts and indoor climbing, golf, cycling which might work

Other hobbies I’ve had include photography and sewing ( dressmaking and quilting) and I’ve done various classes in all those. I’ve run a little book club and been the member of various others along the way. I have old fashioned “pen pals” so I write letters. I got into gardening during lockdown but my friend has an allotment and that’s very sociable. In the future I plan to set up a clothes swap events with a friend.