Do you have hobbies or interests you'd like to pursue in theory, but actually don't?

[hobbiesfordays]

There are lots of things that I would like to learn and be good at and enjoy doing. I would love to learn to knit and make beautiful jumpers etc. I would love to pursue gardening and have a lovely garden.

But in reality I'm not actually motivated to do these things - I've never gone and bought wool and started a knitting pattern. I've gone as far as searching for and looking at different flower seeds in a shop but didn't get any. I feel like a lot of these things are nice to me in theory but if I was truly interested I would have done them by now! Instead I revert to pursuing my normal interests/hobbies which I've had for ages.

Is anyone else like this?

Learning the piano.
I've also always fancied the idea of searching for old Victorian rubbish dumps and digging up the old glass bottles. I will never do it though!

My limits have always been time and money. I’ve pursued interests within those limits though. My advice is start small. For knitting try a scarf or a hat - there are lots of mini projects out there, and lots of places to look for inspiration on the web. For gardening get a window box and some seeds and try it. I can’t imagine going through life and not trying things I was interested in and could - you only live once! I asked for some wood whittling knives for Christmas, just a cheap set, so I could try that. It’s more productive than spending it on coffees isn’t it?

I want to learn to play golf but golf course prices are too high.
I've wanted to start running for the last few years but I just can't get motivated.
My husband bought me a keyboard about 5 years ago and I've finally started to learn how to play.

Eg. www.diys.com/beginner-knitting-projects/

So many! I bought a guitar a few years ago because I desperately wanted to teach myself. It’s only been out it’s bag half dozen times!
I used to read all the time, and love it. Now I cba and waste time on MN or Facebook instead.
Loads of crafts interest me but I never take the step to really learn: crochet, needle felting, sewing my own clothes, sketching, painting, photography, pottery, jewellery making.

I’m really into medieval history and would love to try archery and fencing. I’m not confident enough to find local groups though as I’m sure I’d be rubbish at them and it would shatter my illusions.

Before kids I tried loads of things out like photography, the guitar, sewing, rock climbing, learning Spanish and the piano. I never stuck to any of them.

I was really enjoying learning the piano but once I had DC1 it went out of the window. The keyboard is in the loft and I hope to get it out one day.

My Spanish is ok from living abroad. I'd recommend watching foreign language tv and films in the original language but with English subtitles on. Worked for me in understanding at least.

@Greenpolkadot how do you learn genealogy? Is it from doing your own family tree?

I would like to take up some watercolour painting again. I dabbled into it a few years ago, I bought lots of the things needed for painting, I have a nice attic room, with a skylight window, so quite good for setting my things out.. I did a few not so good paintings, always thinking they were rubbish, so packed things up then, But want to start up again, maybe in the spring time.

I'm very good at starting hobbies, getting a load of stuff, finding out I'm not instantly good at it, and losing interest. I'm trying to tie things in together more now.

I tried rock climbing recently but I've realised I need to get far better basic fitness first. Also the nearest place is about an hour away and I'm just too tired after to drive home after.

I have managed to stick with chocolate eating though!

I daydream about learning yoga and a martial art. However, in reality I find yoga boring and when I enquired about karate I couldn't commit to 2 evenings a week. It's on my list of things to do once the DC reach adulthood though.

I'd love to make clothes for my Barbies, I have material and threads but no talent 😂

@YouHaveNoAuthorityHereJackie

Yes, I would love to mudlark. If I lived anywhere it was possible, I know I’d be sifting through random tide junk all the time. It’s the same urge that sees me pulled into charity shops I think, the thrill of finding something totally unexpected

What is mudlark?

I feel like this
I am creative minded but not practical

I really would really love to learn how to play the ukulele.

I would also like to learn how to play the Kalimba

@NichyNoo

I’m really into medieval history and would love to try archery and fencing. I’m not confident enough to find local groups though as I’m sure I’d be rubbish at them and it would shatter my illusions.

I did both a few years ago. I was crap at them 😂 But I’m really glad I did it. It was an achievement just going along and having a go. Do it!

@Sweetpeasaremadeforbees

Playing the guitar. I learnt a bit many years ago but I think it's something you have to do everyday or you lose it.

I am learning a language on Duo lingo though (very proud of my 98 day streak) so I need something like that for guitar playing.

I'm in a similar boat, wanted to learn a language for years but never managed to make much progress, with the old "teach yourself" books there's something addictive about Duolingo.

I used to be able to play keyboard and thought upgrading to piano would be easy (they look nicer ) but haven't made much progress and in a lockdown madness moment bought a guitar!

When I was much younger (20s early 30s) I used to hanker after trying various crafts but for some reason felt inhibited about actually trying. I have never been especially artistic so somehow felt embarrassed to try things. Well except for crochet which I taught myself as a teenager.

However that inhibition fell away. Possibly after becoming a mother and over time being called upon to make fancy dress costumes or whatever.

These days I am always trying new things. I am only so so at best and some of them I have been shite at. But I have fun! I have done loads of courses - rug making, spoon carving, felt making, jewellery making. Plus things I have just tried to tackle by myself. I have made cheese, smoked salmon, woven a really weird basket and done lots of music making activities.

I retired recently so hope to try even more. So basically I would say if you want to try something just do it.

Bought an instrument in lockdown and made some progress but lessons are expensive and self teaching takes a lot of motivation
Have all the bits for watercolours but never sit down to practice
Used to write short stories and poetry and again, just don't anymore!
Used to go to adult beginner ballet which was great but I cant really afford anymore
Was running a lot in lockdown but now pregnant and have horrendous PGP so haven't for months
Have always wanted to try blacksmithing but its one of those things you have to fork out a lot of time and energy to do a course in and then cant really carry on with at home! Would love to be gifted a day course though, maybe next Christmas when I'm no longer pregnant

@SwedishEdith that's why the first step is to make a toilet out of cheap fabric. E.g. the cotton from ikea that 3 quid a metre. Make as many mistakes as possible on the toile and get a seam ripper.