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You may have heard how hobbies are making a comeback, though that term is a bit old school or retro. That’s why I call it a personal enrichment niche. Finding your niche is an integral part of personal growth and self-discovery. It provides a welcome break from our daily routine, adding joy and relaxation. It energizes us and gives us hope.
Sometimes what we reach for in our downtime is disruptive to our health and can even border on harmful, such as scrolling through our social media feeds—comparing our real lives with the snapshots people post of special moments in time. Or we indulge in habits that negatively impact our relationships with ourselves and others.
Hobbies are a much richer way to spend your time. Personally, I love painting and making art collages in an art journal, and find it very rewarding and grounding.
Art journaling is so portable that I find myself doing it at all sorts of random times. I even take one of my journals along on trips. And collaging is so easy! To get started, all you really need is a journal (they come in all shapes and sizes), some scraps of paper (or maybe buy a magazine somewhere), some kind of glue, and a pen.
So that’s my hobby. Where will you find yours? Is it a creative pursuit like painting or writing? A physical activity like gardening or playing a sport? Or is your preference indulging in a leisurely pastime like reading or cooking?
By discovering your own personal enrichment niche, you can find fulfillment in your life. Even if your job isn’t great; even if your relationship isn’t great; even if your health isn’t great.
When you spend time doing something that lights you up, it makes all those things seem better. You may even discover a way to make other parts of your life better through your hobby, your personal niche.