{"id":6383,"date":"2026-08-25T01:24:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-25T08:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/?p=6383"},"modified":"2026-07-22T16:18:35","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T23:18:35","slug":"why-start-a-hobby-or-personal-curriculum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2026\/08\/25\/why-start-a-hobby-or-personal-curriculum\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Start a Hobby or Personal Curriculum?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don\u2019t have to overhaul your life to welcome in personal learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>note from April:<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today I am pulling from several posts in my archives. Before the \u201c<strong>Personal Curriculum<\/strong>\u201d trend caught on, I was writing posts about finding joy in hobbies and learning that is just for enjoyment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, while you are reading, feel free to replace the word <mark>\u201chobby\u201d<\/mark> with <mark>personal curriculum<\/mark>, <mark>your TBR stack<\/mark>, or <mark>creative work<\/mark>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I think you will find these helpful and practical in this fall season. \ud83d\udc99<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>To start us off, check out this podcast:<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I share with you how I got started experimenting with hobbies, reading, and making space for my own learning.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ep.#013 &#8211; The Power of Hobbies in Adulting<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: #013 - The Power of Hobbies in Adulting \" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"152\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/episode\/0Efp9kRsjbpmTwjuHel0it?si=AQMRFmxQRYS_BtA6NA92hQ&amp;utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"\/api\/v1\/audio\/upload\/670a229d-a704-4a3e-b245-dd78be0234dc\/src\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><audio src=\"\/api\/v1\/audio\/upload\/670a229d-a704-4a3e-b245-dd78be0234dc\/src\" preload=\"none\"><\/audio><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><a class=\"image-link image2 is-viewable-img\" href=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1515125520141-3e3b67bc0a88?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wzMDAzMzh8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwzNHx8cmVhZGluZyUyMGJvb2tzfGVufDB8fHx8MTc4NDc1NDg1OXww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/photo-1515125520141-3e3b67bc0a88.jpg\" alt=\"assorted books\" class=\"wp-image-6385\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.5000387687059007;width:456px;height:auto\" title=\"assorted books\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/photo-1515125520141-3e3b67bc0a88.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/photo-1515125520141-3e3b67bc0a88-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/photo-1515125520141-3e3b67bc0a88-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/photo-1515125520141-3e3b67bc0a88-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@jasonwong23\">Jason W<\/a> on <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>Okay, so having a hobby or starting a personal curriculum is a great theory\u2026<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>But why and how is it a good idea for me?<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s get real with this idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When I discuss hobbies or personal learning with someone in person, the first reaction is often a quiet sigh, followed by a sense of guilt or regret.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cEvery time I try to sit down and work on something creative, I get interrupted or feel like I should be doing something more productive.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI don\u2019t even know what I enjoy anymore, I\u2019ve been in survival mode for so long.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI keep buying supplies for hobbies I want to do, but they sit untouched.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI always put it off until I\u2019ve \u2018caught up\u2019 on everything else\u2026 but I never actually catch up.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cI scroll and watch other people doing creative things, and then feel worse that I\u2019m not doing it too.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>Does this sound familiar?<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><a class=\"image-link image2\" href=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!HYHg!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F95e60942-5544-4f8f-b944-6fe1e48be944_480x270.gif\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!HYHg!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F95e60942-5544-4f8f-b944-6fe1e48be944_480x270.gif\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:263px;height:auto\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s have a different kind of conversation about personal learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>I want to give you permission to embrace curiosity, joy, and delight.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many of us have lost touch with the activities that used to light us up, not because we don\u2019t care, but <strong>because life has been <em>a lot<\/em>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So let\u2019s start there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s talk about the real obstacles that keep us from doing what we love. And then we can find small shifts to bring hobbies back into reach, not as a luxury, but as <strong>a vital part of our well-being.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><a class=\"image-link image2\" href=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!dUO0!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3f11d8a5-ed9a-4f6e-97a9-d514d6fe4676_480x270.gif\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!dUO0!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3f11d8a5-ed9a-4f6e-97a9-d514d6fe4676_480x270.gif\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:244px;height:auto\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>So, what are some constraints that we might face?<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maybe the reason you haven\u2019t spent time on a hobby is <strong>more than sheer willpower or lack of time.<\/strong> In this hectic modern world, there is so much more that we have working against us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Honesty is the best way to move forward.<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s look at these together. Once we see them clearly, it\u2019s easier to move around them and create solutions (or gently push back).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Job &amp; Schedule &#8211;<\/strong> your work life shapes how and when you unwind<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Life Stage &#8211; <\/strong>every stage has its own mix of freedom and constraints<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Budget <\/strong>&#8211; if money\u2019s tight, that doesn\u2019t mean hobbies are off the table<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Time &#8211; <\/strong>are your days packed to the brim?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Home &amp; Space <\/strong>&#8211; where you live affects what your downtime looks like<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Your Energy &#8211; <\/strong>After a long day, do you want to move your body or rest it? Both are valid. Some people recharge with physical hobbies, while others need something slower paced and quieter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Access to Tools &#8211; <\/strong>if it\u2019s hard to get what you need, that could be frustrating<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Health &amp; Wellness Goals <\/strong>&#8211; these can guide what feels most rewarding right now or keep you from what you want to do<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Your Household &#8211; <\/strong>Do you want a hobby you can share with your kids or partner or something that\u2019s <em>just yours<\/em>? Your family rhythm matters.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83e\udde9 What Did You Notice?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Which felt the most relevant or revealing to you?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Was there one area that made you say, \u201cYes! That\u2019s what\u2019s been in the way\u201d?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Or maybe, \u201cThat\u2019s what I\u2019ve been missing and I want to get back to it\u201d?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><a class=\"image-link image2 is-viewable-img\" href=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1541753866388-0b3c701627d3?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wzMDAzMzh8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHx3b21hbiUyMHBhaW50aW5nfGVufDB8fHx8MTc4NDc1MjMyNXww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1620\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/photo-1541753866388-0b3c701627d3.jpg\" alt=\"woman painting tree and cliff\" class=\"wp-image-6386\" style=\"width:472px;height:auto\" title=\"woman painting tree and cliff\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/photo-1541753866388-0b3c701627d3.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/photo-1541753866388-0b3c701627d3-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/photo-1541753866388-0b3c701627d3-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/photo-1541753866388-0b3c701627d3-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/photo-1541753866388-0b3c701627d3-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@jadestephens\">Jade Stephens<\/a> on <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There obviously must be a balance. (As in all things.) My tendency is to pour out to the point that I have nothing left for myself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Having hobbies, a reading list, and a personal curriculum keeps me vibrant and alive on the inside.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They feed my soul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting stuck stops us from growth and that is when we get unhealthy. Then patterns of the past take over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I want my kids to be raised by a mom who is \u201cnot done\u201d. I want my kids to see adults in their home who push themselves and do hard things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, in spite of these constraints (or maybe even because of them), I hope that you will keep pushing forward and make space for hobbies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> You don\u2019t have to overhaul your life to welcome in personal learning. Sometimes just <em>noticing<\/em> what\u2019s shaping your time and energy is the first step back into joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As you think about your own life right now, consider this: When do you feel most tired or stretched thin? What kind of hobby sounds realistic for this season, something calm and low-energy, or something more active and hands-on?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>You don\u2019t have to choose the \u201cperfect hobby\u201d or wait for the \u201cjust right moment\u201d.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just start with what fits your energy, your time, and your reality today. Even a few minutes of something enjoyable can help you reconnect with yourself in powerful ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">please subscribe! \ud83d\ude01<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This fall season, let\u2019s give ourselves permission to begin small and stay curious. Your hobby or personal curriculum plans don\u2019t have to be impressive to matter. It just has to feel like <em>you<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>I am rooting for you!<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a class=\"image-link image2\" href=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!-FaE!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F82d9e33c-50cb-4527-b4be-7063025dce0e_1456x258.webp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!-FaE!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F82d9e33c-50cb-4527-b4be-7063025dce0e_1456x258.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want more on rebuilding your life after burnout with simple, practical steps check out my book: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/a.co\/d\/hIrPRKL\"><strong>Subtle Resistance<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a class=\"image-link image2 is-viewable-img\" href=\"https:\/\/a.co\/d\/hIrPRKL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!D1PE!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0056f4b2-8fa8-47ce-8a94-7a4175df2239_4696x3131.jpeg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You don\u2019t have to overhaul your life to welcome in personal learning. note from April: Today I am pulling from several posts in my archives. Before the \u201cPersonal Curriculum\u201d trend caught on, I was writing posts about finding joy in hobbies and learning that is just for enjoyment. So, while you are reading, feel free&hellip; <\/p>\n<div class=\"readmore-wrapper\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2026\/08\/25\/why-start-a-hobby-or-personal-curriculum\/\" class=\"more-link\">Read <\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_stc_notifier_status":"sent","_stc_notifier_sent_time":"2026-08-25 01:40:02","_stc_notifier_request":false,"_stc_notifier_prevent":false,"_stc_subscriber_keywords":"","_stc_subscriber_search_areas":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[692,4],"tags":[560,49,559,65,676,611,756,757,305,717,747,210,721,712,485,614,695,719,178,706,30,50,769,770,731,17,758,147,103],"class_list":["post-6383","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-intellectually-alive","category-mom-life","tag-august","tag-books","tag-growth","tag-hobby","tag-hobby-revival","tag-hobby-tips","tag-june","tag-june-reading","tag-learning","tag-monthly-curriculum-recap","tag-my-book-basket","tag-my-book-stack","tag-my-learning","tag-my-personal-curriculum-plan","tag-my-reading","tag-new-hobby","tag-personal-curriculum","tag-personal-curriculum-planning","tag-personal-growth","tag-personal-learning","tag-productivity-for-moms","tag-reading-stack","tag-september","tag-september-reading","tag-spring-curriculum","tag-summer","tag-summer-curriculum","tag-summer-planning","tag-summer-reading"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6383","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6383"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6383\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6387,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6383\/revisions\/6387"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6383"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6383"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6383"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}