553 words, 3 minute read time
Everyone experiences life differently. We each have our own hobbies and, sometimes, for one reason or another, we stray away from them and we lose a part of ourselves. Hence, resuming a hobby comes with different obstacles.
The different stages to resuming a hobby might differ from one person to another, but here is my experience in following my long-lost passion.
1- Denial: You believe you are better off without it
The activity that once used to bring life to your soul became a distant memory. For me, that hobby is dance. It was my whole life up until it became an obscure alley I was too afraid to come close to, worried it would swallow me whole. I thought I was better off without it because it had started to inflict pain on me instead of alleviating life’s worries.
2- Regret: You miss it but do not want to admit it yet
A few months later, you feel like there is a piece of yourself missing but you do not know why. You lose yourself, thinking that it is the end of the world. I lived in this uncertainty for around two years. “Where did it all go wrong?” I kept asking myself. I never found the answer to that question. I just know that, somewhere along the way, I lost a piece of myself. Did I ever find it back? Not exactly.
3- Acceptance: You realize that it brings you joy
It is when I realized that I did not want to keep living a life in which dance was not a part of it, that I decided to finally get back into it. Because, what would I be without my source of happiness? “If I can, I’ll dance till the last moment of my life,” I told myself. The other day, I came across an article that hit close to home and reignited a fire in me: “9 Undeniable Reasons to Get Back into Dance.” However, if you are looking for a hobby that will help you de-stress after a long and tiring day, I think this article might be up your alley: “The 20 best hobbies to do after work to unwind and relax.”
4- Happiness: You have regained your spark
You are happy again and you realize what was missing. It might be difficult at first to get back into it but it is worth it. It was the same for me. At first, every single move was really difficult, harder than they used to be. I cannot remember the number of times I thought about giving up. The process was long and difficult but, in the end, it was rewarding. Despite how physically and mentally draining it was, I stuck to it and look where I am now: a dancer who regained her spark. I achieved a dream I considered unreachable and it is your turn to take matters into your own hands.
I know firsthand how difficult it is to do so, but nothing’s impossible without some support. Therefore, I hope my blog post will be the start of a little community. And so, I ask: were you ever in the same boat as me? If so, how did you overcome this hurdle?
This was such a heartfelt and inspiring read. I really felt the honesty in your journey—it’s comforting to know that struggling to return to a passion is something others go through too. Your story reminded me that it’s never too late to find joy again. Thank you for sharing this!
Struggling to return to a passion is more common than we think. I am glad my story comforted you!
I totally relate! I went through all these stages to finally decide to go back to ballet… an activity I had stopped around 50 (!) years ago… my joy when I bought ballerinas was indescribable… I almost bought a tutu!!
Unfortunately I had to accept that my age played a crucial role… Overall I was happy I defeated a lot of fears for a whole year! So keep it up dear Christia-Maria! Thank you for sharing and good luck
Thank you for sharing your story! It’s nice to see people relate to what I’ve been through. It makes me realize that I’m not alone.
I am glad you had the courage to go back to ballet. Nothing beats the joy our passions bring!
What a beautiful and touching article! I love how it acknowledges both the excitement and the challenges that come with getting back into something we once loved. Thank you!!!
Getting back into something we once loved is a mix of excitement and dread but, in the end, it is worth it, despite all the challenges we encounter.
I can really relate to what you have said, it truly resonated with me !
I’m glad you saw yourself in my article. I hope reading it helped!
Definitely! In one way or another, we’ve all been there. The first stage is so real—we convince ourselves we’re better off without it and come up with excuses every now and then. We walk away from it, yet there’s something stronger pulling us back, a deep thirst to reconnect. Overcoming the hesitation isn’t easy, but once we start to see how our hobbies connect to different aspects of our lives, we fall in love with them all over again. That’s when we truly appreciate the magic they bring. ✨
Thank you for sharing this!
The hardest part is overcoming our hesitation and fear. Once we do that, reconnecting with our hobby becomes a piece of cake (kind of).
Can honestly relate, it’s always hard especially with life changes, having less and less time. Great inspiration to get back to it !!
It’s true! We often let life get in the way. I am glad my blog post was an eye-opener for you and I hope you pick up your hobby again.
Honestly, that’s so true because as much as we want to deny it, it’s impossible to live without it, and as you said we should accept it because it brings us joy (and between us, joy is very much needed these days)
Joy is indeed much needed. We should find it not only in the big moments but also in the unnoticed ones.
It is such a great reflective topic, I really enjoyed reading every part of it.
I’m touched by your experience and aspire to do the same.
Thank you ❤️
I’m rooting for you and hope you reach stage 4!
It is so true… it is all about the effort we need to make when we want to resume any activity or kind of work… I have always wanted to resume cycling but I haven’t been able yet to overcome the fear of failing to do it. I am always pushed back by the awful idea of my age preventing me from resuming such a physical activity that challenges our mental abilities as well as our muscles. Reading you will sure give me enough reason to take up the challenge again.
Thank you for sharing your fear with us! I hope you get the courage to step out of your comfort zone and follow your dream of cycling again.
This is such a heartfelt and inspiring piece! Your journey of rediscovering dance is so relatable and beautifully expressed. It’s in fact a great reminder that it’s never too late to revive our passions.
Exactly! It’s never too late.
That was very insightful and straight to the point!
I think everyone can relate as we all had to let go of some hobby at some point. But it’s a nice reminder not to let life get in the way or to make sure to have some hobbies as a necessary part in our lives
It’s heart-warming to see that people relate to my article. I hope everyone remembers that having a hobby is more than necessary.
Amazing article, real and transparent. Passing through these stages is hard especially the first 2 when we still can’t find the answer to the question you asked “Where did it all go wrong?”. But with love and perseverance all of that will pass and the spark will come back.
It indeed is hard, especially because you don’t know why you’re feeling that way. However, realizing what was wrong is a huge step forward.
Thank you for sharing, it is really inspiring and motivating! Time to search for what makes me happy and work on it.
Cheering you on throughout your journey so you find what brings you happiness!
This article perfectly captures the journey of rediscovering a lost passion. I can relate to the denial and regret stages. Getting back into it is tough, but the rewards are worth it. Your story is inspiring and will encourage others to reignite their passions too! Thank you for sharing this amazing article with us !
I hope you regain your spark too!
This was amazing! I truly appreciate the way you explained everything so clearly and beautifully. It made the concept so much easier to understand. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge!
I’m delighted to know that the message came across as clearly as I wanted it to.
What a beautifully honest and deeply moving piece. Thank you for sharing your journey with such vulnerability.
I’ve been in that boat too! For me, it was writing. There was a time when words flowed effortlessly, when they were a refuge and a way to make sense of the chaos. But life got in the way, and I convinced myself I was fine without it. That same denial crept in, telling myself I was better off focusing on « more practical things. » Then came the aching emptiness, the regret, the quiet longing for something I couldn’t quite name.
Reading your stages felt like holding up a mirror. The way you described the slow, uncertain path back to what you love – the stumbles, the doubt, the slow return of joy – it’s exactly what I experienced. And it’s a beautiful reminder that healing isn’t linear, that reclaiming a passion is an act of courage.
Like you said, healing is in fact not linear but we tend to forget that. It also takes quite a lot of time but we should remember that there always is a light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how long and dark it is.
I am glad my article resonated with you and I hope you reach the last stage in your writing journey!
I’m so glad that you regained your spark back in the end. I can clearly tell how passionate you are of your hobby. I loved this article, thank you for sharing your experience with us.
Thank you for your kind words! It was tough but I found a way back to my hobby and I hope that, through my article, people find their way back too.
Love this!!!
Thank you!
Thank you for this. It really motivated me to get back into cooking.
I should probably do more time management, and not just focus on work.
I know life can get in the way but it is important to manage your time and find a good work-life balance.
Your words echoed so deeply in my heart as I also drifted away from dancing which is my passion too! Thank you for igniting that passion again in me and for pushing me to consider going back to dancing as one of my goals for this year!
I’m looking forward to seeing your journey toward dance!
Your blog post really touched me! It’s very inspiring✨️ I remember when dancing took a part of my life, and your words reminded me of that passion. I truly believe that one day, you will find the answers to all the questions that turn in your mind. Keep going and let dancing always be a way to express yourself.
Thank you for your support! I hope you also find the answers to all your questions. And let dancing become a part of your life again!
Amazing!! Thanks for sharing that with us.
Very insightful
I’m glad you liked it!
Well done. Very useful
Thank you!
I totally relate to your experience. I’ve been through almost the same stages!
In my case, it was the gym along with a strict diet.
Although I’m currently at stage 4, I haven’t reached the same level of happiness I felt a couple of years ago. But as you said, it’s a long and difficult process; we should trust it.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Like you said, we should trust the process, even if it feels like we aren’t getting anywhere. Keep on going and I’m sure you’ll be happier someday!
I loved it! You truly showed us that when we’re passionate about an activity, we’ll always find a way back to it.
This is exactly the message I was trying to convey. I am pleased to know that I got my point across!
Bien dit! Your story is so beautifully written and deeply relatable. The way you describe the emotional journey of returning to a passion really resonates. Dance is such a powerful art form it’s not just movement but an expression of the soul, keep going.
Thank you! I’m glad that my article resonated with you.
Your story is inspiring, and it’s a reminder that reconnecting with what brings us joy is always worth it.
Thank you for sharing this!
Sadly, we sometimes forget what brings us happiness… but I am glad my blog post was your reminder to find that joy again.
« Nothing’s impossible without some support » love it. Amazing words. Every stage is so well described. Keep going !!
I hope you are always surrounded by people who support you in everything you do!
I can totally relate!
Thank you for the motivation you brought us by writing this article. I will totally try to resume my hobby.
I’m glad to be of help. Keep me posted on how it goes!
We don’t admit it yet, for we distance ourselves slowly from it, and so we do not realise the importance that it makes, in alleviating our agitated selves. Therefore, it is only when one takes the initiative to talk about it, that it delivers the nostalgia.
Super post;) easy and quick to read!
+ it covers subjects that are relatable to the general public.
Exactly! Hobbies are not just a way to have fun but they also help us relax and unwind after a stressful day.
Your post resonates with me! You inspired us to get back to our hobbies.
The hardest part is the journey back to where we were before stopping—the constant comparison to our past selves is tough. But muscle memory kicks in, and we’ll be back on track soon!
Thanks for sharing and reminding us we’re not alone. It’s definitely worth it!
You’re right. It weighs heavily on your heart because you feel like you are « weaker » than before. But we thank muscle memory for making it easier. And we also thank everyone who helped us get through the hard part.
I am happy to be of help!
Inspiring words! Made me want to get out of my comfort zone and pick up a new hobby!!
Thank you for this article, it will encourage everyone to pursue their dream even if now it sounds impossible
Even if it seems impossible now, there is always be a silver lining.
If you are looking for a hobby, you could check the article titled « The 20 best hobbies to do after work to unwind and relax » that I mentioned in my post. Let me know which one touches your heart!
Reading this reminded me of how much I used to enjoy taking any dance classes I could find! It’s so stress-reducing; I just might have to pick it up again.
I hope you pick it up again then maybe we could take a dance class together!
As a former dancer with on-and-off activity, I really relate to what you wrote. Your choice of words resonates deeply with me. Keep it up!
Thank you for sharing your personal experience!
I love your approach on the topic! As a multi-passionate curious learner, I do tend to juggle between various hobbies that, albeit bring me joy, end up being thrown into oblivion (possibly due to undiagnosed ADHD… but that’s another discussion). As for resuming a past hobby, I rekindled ties with calligraphy not long ago after a yearlong hiatus and I have never been happier!
I am delighted to know that calligraphy is making you happier again. Can’t wait to see your art if you’re willing to share it!
This is absolutely true! I went through the same stages when I resumed singing.
I’m glad my article resonated with you and I’m happy that singing brings you happiness the same way dancing brings me happiness.
Fast to read yet so effective.
Loved the strong analogy with the stages of grief, you always find the right words to deliver the message !
Thank you for always supporting me and I’m glad you enjoyed reading my blog post!
I probably am still stuck on the first stage. I do miss it sometimes though. Thank you for sharing with us your work and good luck with your project.
I hope you can soon get to the last stage!