To ask if you developed a new skill/hobby that changed your life after 30

[raringtogo354]

I'm interested to hear about your skills and hobbies and if they gave you a new lease of life/turned things around for you. I'm in my 30s and feel stuck in a rut and have done so for a few years now. Absolutely not asking for a pity party here, but I don't feel like there is anything I am good at. Sure I'm okay a bits and pieces, but would like to channel my energy into something where I can later on down the line say 'It's taken me years to learn XXX'.

As a youngster I did very well academically but have taken a route in life where my degree is no longer useful or indeed of interest to me. I had a bit of a moment this morning where I thought, in a dinner party scenario, there really isn't much I can say about myself and don't feel like there is a lot to me and I really want to change things.

Explaining to my DH this morning, I want something to work at in life, something that I love. I want to put the hours into something physical and creative - which is where I thought maybe I could learn an instrument.

Has anyone else started something life-changing as an adult?

Not a hobby or skill, but feminism changes lives.

@browneyes77 do you qualify for student loans? I'm not paying my OU degree upfront.

Sewing and running. But not at the same time.

I have made quilts and clothes.

Plus I have run a marathon and made loads of friends through running.

I took up painting two years ago (nearly 58), having done nothing since O Level. See attached picture. It turned out well but it took me over a year to actually start despite having bought all of the materials and visualising it on the canvas. Sadly I've done nothing since but it's only a matter of time hopefully.

Started going to the gym in my late twenties after loathing any sports at school.

Started running (old lady jogging!) in my forties, and proper heavy weight training just before fifty. Now 52 and loving it: it’s the only thing I’ve ever actually been ok at!

Also trying to learn the guitar- bloody difficult!

@weathervane1 oh you must paint more! That's wonderful

@weathervane1

I took up painting two years ago (nearly 58), having done nothing since O Level. See attached picture. It turned out well but it took me over a year to actually start despite having bought all of the materials and visualising it on the canvas. Sadly I've done nothing since but it's only a matter of time hopefully.

This is absolutely breathtaking!! You are extremely talented :)

@ElbowsandArses

What’s age got to do with it? I’m 50. Took up running 2 years ago and love it. Have a long list of things I want to take up as I am released from the jaws of full on parenting. Choir. Learn to tap dance, maybe adult beginner ballet class, yoga, drawing, painting … so many things to explore and enjoy. More reading and writing. Love learning new things and have no intention of stopping.

Because sometimes as adults you have a moment of clarity where you think 'hang on, I've been on the same path my whole life time want to change things up completely.'

Congratulations on your successes.

I bought a VR headset, and it has changed my life. I was fat and unfit for years. Hated exercise. Using VR for fitness is seeing my weight go on a downward trajectory, and I feel so much better for it.
No one one can see me red faced and sweaty, and you can compete with yourself and even other people. And it does not feel like exercise at all. Is just like a game.

I also took up making plushies. I make them and give them away to people who might need a little boost.

Love reading this, so heartwarming!
I was never into sports or exercise but took up ice skating in my mid 40s as a family activity and then took up proper swimming (learned how to swim front crawl with swim classes) when I turned 50. That is my passion, love swimming in lakes and the sea. Longest swim is 10k. The gift of the lockdowns was learning to acclimatise to the cold and keep swimming at the Lido all year round. First year with a wetsuit and this past year in my swimsuit. It is amazing and I am the fittest I’ve ever been.
Also tried choir, loved it but couldn’t make the times work.
Book club and card games both great socially and intellectually.
Everyone’s contributions on this thread are inspiring and encouraging, thank you!

I learnt to drive and passed my test at 37. Completely life changing.

I took up running in my 40s. I lost loads of weight, made loads of genuinely good and really close friends through my running club and I've actually become quite a good runner (still surprised about this as I was never any good at sports at school). I've run two marathons and about ten halfs and I can now run 5K in just over 22 minutes. Running has absolutely transformed my life.

That’s brilliant @Toucan123 !

im still rubbish at running, but appear to be quite good at lifting weights, so I know the feeling of actually being ok after years of being crap st sport. It’s good!