The reluctance of letting go of past hobbies/passions.
The detox: Unlearn the idea that hobbies are fixed, acknowledging that they can ebb and flow, and allowing space for new passions to emerge without the pressure of permanence.
I used to be someone whose main hobby was anything related to visual arts—drawing on paper, painting with acrylics, and even spending time creating cute little designs on my nails. However, since your twenties is a time of massive evolution and self-discovery… things change. Let’s dive into the reluctance of letting go of past hobbies/passions that no longer call to you anymore.
photos source unknown.
The art-science dilemma
In the 11th grade (yes, I’m from Canada, so we called it that), I did this large drawing of a ballerina. Honestly, it felt like the peak of my creations at the time.
I remember receiving a grade of 125% because my art teacher loved it so much. She even offered to pay me money to keep the original! Of course, my mom was opposed, but she made sure to create a copy for her.
Maybe it's the fact that I'm a descendant of Edvard Munch (lil’ flex hehe), or that I started lessons very young, but art was always one of my biggest escapes. Nothing slowed time down like it did while I painted or when drawing.
My ballerina drawing in the 11th grade.
Not only was I good at art, but science was another forte of mine. Some might say it’s good to have so many strengths, but as I started applying to universities – I found myself at a crossroads. Do I go the science route, or the art route?
If you've been following me for a while, you'll know what decision I made…Forensic science became the next four years of my life, with intense classes, long labs, and late nights of studying.
Just to be clear, my reasons for choosing the science route didn’t come from a lack of interest in the arts. One of the main reasons why I didn't pursue art professionally was because I didn't want to lose the passion behind it. Turning one of my greatest loves into a job felt wrong to me, and since I thought art would always be there, science seemed like the right choice.
It's funny how I chose that path to preserve my love for art when it only did the opposite.
Study session – photo unknown.
Due to my extreme course load, I became accustomed to a fast-paced lifestyle with constant stimulation – definitely fuelling my hustle culture addiction.
My classes included criminal law, neuroscience, organic chemistry, physics, advanced functions, biochemistry, ecology, and more. So, there was very little time to get creative if I wanted to end the year with a high enough GPA. At the time, I felt that the course load was too much, which is true…but looking back I know I secretly enjoyed that sort of challenge.
Post-graduation reflections
Fast forward three years post-graduation, and my interest in the forensic science field has lessened, yet, the craving for intellectual stimulation persists.
I've tried, really; to sit down and draw or paint. Although, there were moments when I received bursts of motivation to paint again, the feeling is just…different now.
It no longer feels like a hobby when I do it, but more of a chore that I need to check off my to-do list. Maybe it’s school’s fault or maybe it’s a change of interests but one things for certain – I have to stop forcing myself.
My lockdown graduation lol!
Embracing a change in interests
For the longest time, I've resisted this change in interest of hobbies. But this reluctance to let go of past hobbies/passions was not found in just me—so many people in my life have asked me, "Bianca, do you ever make time to paint again?" Unsure of how to put it, I usually respond by saying, "No, I don't really have much time for that nowadays."
"That's too bad," they say.
I think we need to start normalizing that in your twenties, you're going to experience a shift in interest at least once. (And if you’re like me, maybe more like 5 times) What was once a passion may no longer call to you right now, and that's okay.
We are in the most evolving time of our lives, and shifts of interest should be appreciated, not looked down upon. That's also not to say that old hobbies won't come back to you one day. I would just stop forcing yourself to try out old hobbies that actually drain (or just bore) you.That defeats the whole purpose.
New beginnings
Currently, my primary hobby might shock the younger version of myself…READING. aka. a skill that used to be a major struggle in childhood that has transformed into a source of joy.
It's a testament to the fact that embracing change and allowing new interests to unfold can lead to unexpected and fulfilling outcomes. So, here's to letting go of forced hobbies and welcoming the natural flow of passion in our ever-evolving journey.
Reading in bed – Photo by cottonbro studio
the detox
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the detox 〰️
The key takeaway is to unlearn the idea that hobbies are fixed, acknowledging that they can ebb and flow, and allowing space for new passions to emerge without the pressure of permanence.
