#7: Rediscovering Your Passions & Hobbies
Let’s take a moment to pause and reflect: When was the last time you did something purely for yourself? Like, not because you had to, but because you wanted to. Not for the kids, not for the family, not for the never-ending list of responsibilities, but something that made you feel alive? It’s easy to forget about ourselves in the whirlwind of motherhood, but you know what? It’s time for us to rediscover our passions and start loving ourselves again—outside of being “mom.” Let’s talk about how hobbies can help us do just that.
When I first became a mom in 2020, I gave birth literally two weeks before COVID was announced and a month or two later; lock down started. Being a brand new single mom, stuck in the same four walls with a newborn and my mom, I consumed way too much shows and movies daily. Swimming, walking around our neighborhood and laying in the sun by our pool became our little “outings.” And shamelessly, online shopping became my bestie.
Looking back, there’s so many different things I could have used with that time. I could have gotten back into my bracelet making that I’ve picked up and set down over and over again for years. I could have gotten back into my reading. I could have started making those super cozy chunky blankets and blown up on Etsy. I could have started my investing journey and probably been as rich as Simran Kaur now. But, when I think about that, I also realize, there’s still time. I still have plenty of time to do those little hobbies and passions of mine. And so for the last month or so, I started to make the steps happen.
Here are a few examples of my passions & hobbies:
~ I made my first cozy, chunky handknit blanket for my mom to take with her as her cancer treatment blanket and made another one as a Christmas gift for my son’s aunt and honestly fell in love with how therapeutic it became for me. So I decided yesterday to start another one and fell right back into it.
~ I have been binge reading my Abbi Glines books that I’ve been missing out on and I kid you not, if I’m not trying to read a self-help book in between and just focus my whole time on her books, I can read one of them within three days easily.
~ Since the weather permits it now, I started planting my seeds and can’t wait to reset my garden and escape there in the evenings for my watering sessions. I cannot express to you how happy I get when I see a little seedling popping up out of the soil.
~ I also went back to doing my hot mom walks (not as often as I’d like but nonetheless) and it makes me feel more in control of my life and it releases some frustration I have when I just strap my son in his stroller while my daughters at school, throw my headphones in and put on my podcast girlies to walk to.
It was just simple starts to things I didn’t realize how happy they made me until I just chose one day to start them. Now, I refuse to look back!
Why Rediscovering Your Passions is Important for Moms
We give so much of ourselves to our families, often leaving little to no time for ourselves. We forget that before the scattered toys, the diaper changes, and the endless snack requests, we were people—people with interests, dreams, and things that made us feel excited and happy.
By rediscovering our passions, we not only help ourselves feel more fulfilled, but we also show our kids the importance of self-care and pursuing things that bring joy. It’s like putting on your oxygen mask first, right? My favorite (& most used quote on this entire website) is, you can't pour from an empty cup.
But here's the catch: rediscovering your passions doesn’t mean you need to quit your day job or become the next Picasso (unless that’s your thing, then go for it, mama!). It means embracing hobbies and activities that light you up—whether it’s trying something new or revisiting something you used to love.
#1: Start Small & Simple—Hobbies Don’t Have to Be Big Projects
Let’s face it, as moms, our schedules are packed tighter than a suitcase for a two-week trip with the whole family. So, starting small is key. You don’t need to dedicate hours to something extravagant. In fact, you can rediscover your passions in the little moments.
Actionable Tip: Take 10-15 minutes a day to do something that makes you happy. Try a quick doodling session in a notebook while the kids play, pull out your knitting supplies while the baby naps, or listen to a podcast about something you’ve always been curious about while you cook dinner.
The beauty of starting small is that you’ll begin to feel the spark again without overcommitting to something that feels overwhelming. Sometimes, the simplest things are the most fulfilling!
#2: Revisit Your Past Passions—What Did You Love Before Mom Life Took Over?
Remember the days when you had all the time in the world for your hobbies? Yeah, those days. Well, it turns out you can revisit those passions! Whether it was painting, photography, gardening, or even writing, reconnecting with something you used to love can feel like rediscovering an old friend. It’s comforting, familiar, and, let’s face it, super fun.
Actionable Tip: Think about the things that made you happy before you had a family. Was there something you used to do on weekends that made you feel accomplished or creative? Make a list and choose one thing to try again. Maybe it’s starting that blog you’ve been thinking about for years (ahem, this could be your sign), picking up a guitar, or even baking those ridiculously complicated cupcakes that you used to master. The goal is to rekindle that joy—no matter how big or small the hobby is!
Bonus tip: If your kids are old enough, get them involved. Sometimes introducing your children to your old hobbies can make for a bonding experience and even reignite the fun for you, too.
#3: Get Creative with “Me Time”—Make It a Habit, Not a Luxury
We often see “me time” as a luxury, not a necessity. But here’s the truth, mama: if you want to rediscover your passions, you have to make time for them. It’s not selfish; it’s actually the opposite. When you do something for you that lights you up, it will shine onto your family as well. So, whether you have 30 minutes or 2 hours, carving out regular time for yourself will help you grow in ways you never imagined. Plus, you’ll feel more energized and ready to tackle the rest of your life.
Actionable Tip: Start by blocking out time in your calendar for yourself. Schedule a regular hobby time every week, just like any other important appointment. If you can’t get away from the kids (I see you, mighty mom), try setting a timer for 20 minutes while they’re occupied with something—whether it’s screen time, a puzzle, or just playing on their own. Use that time to dive into something that fills your cup, whether it’s reading, baking, journaling, or even dancing around the kitchen.
Also, get creative with how you can incorporate your passions into your daily routine. Maybe you can practice yoga while the kids are at school, or listen to an audiobook while cleaning. If you have to habit-stack, just make sure it works for you.
Recap:
#1: Start Small & Simple - Begin by dedicating just 10-15 minutes a day to a hobby that brings you joy. It’s all about making small moments for yourself that don’t feel overwhelming.
#2: Revisit Past Passions - Think back to what you loved before becoming a mom and try to reconnect with those activities. Whether it’s painting or writing, rediscovering an old hobby can reignite your creativity and bring you happiness.
#3 Get Creative w/ “Me Time” - Make time for yourself a regular part of your schedule, not a luxury. Whether it’s through scheduled hobby time or short bursts of “me time,” prioritize activities that help you feel fulfilled and recharged.
Rediscovering your passions as a mom doesn’t mean you have to drop everything and start a new career or hobby empire (though if that’s your vibe, go for it!). It’s about finding moments for you, doing things that bring you joy, and remembering that you deserve to feel fulfilled outside of your role as “mom.” You’re still you, and that person has dreams, interests, and a whole lot of potential waiting to be explored.
So, here’s the homework: pick one of these tips, start small, and give yourself permission to enjoy the process. It’s all about taking baby steps toward rediscovering what makes you feel alive. The best part? Your kids will learn the power of self-love, balance, and creativity by watching you thrive.
If you found this post helpful, be sure to check out my other tips on self-care for busy moms, or browse my full collection of motherhood hacks to make life a little easier! Thank you so much for reading and don’t forget to subscribe to my website to be the first to read my weekly blog. You got this, mama. Go ahead and rediscover the amazing, passionate person you are!
If no one told you today, you are an amazing mom and I see you. You wouldn’t be reading this blog if you weren’t and I am SO proud of you. Keep loving yourself too, mama.
With Love, Caitlin Nichols
