Picking up a new hobby can be a daunting task if you’re anything like me. I usually stop myself from indulging in a new interest for a fear that I won’t be great at it right away (which is completely unrealistic) or believing that I won’t have the time to keep at it consistently. However, this semester I’ve been attempting to ingrain new things into my life just for the sake of trying new things – it’s important to note that everything you start will be a new learning and growing experience, and as long as you enjoy the process, why not start a new hobby?
I’ve always liked the idea of being a plant mom – covering my room in greenery and hints of colors from budding flowers and plants. I figured that with my kill streak of multiple succulents (completely the fault of my own) that taking care of plants correctly just wasn’t something that I was capable of doing. I completely abandoned the thought of raising plants for fear that they would have a sure death if they were in my care.
However, my mindset changed when I saw my girlfriend taking care of her plants. I figured that having the “plant mom aesthetic” was unachievable because I’ve never been able to actually see it – instead, I saw lush plants and the green, brown, homegrown aesthetic only on social media. It does sound silly, but being able to see plants thriving in person and the actual care that goes into them made me believe I could do the same thing.
I jumped in the deep end! I bought six baby plants at once and was set on the idea of being a great mother, having them all flourish beyond my belief. Buying the necessary things for a hobby is one thing, but actually starting it and being consistent is another. My first day, I researched all the plants I now was a provider for, and made sure to note their names and needs – water intake, sun intake, temperature, fertilizer, the whole lot.
I found that making a hobby a learning experience took a great relief off my shoulders. To make it easier on myself, I compiled all the information of my plants in one document, and aptly named it my plant index (which you can find here!). Along with my list, I kept a separate entry journal of updates, such as when I watered my plants. I found that these make me accountable and enjoy growing plants so much more.
As a sucker for progress to prove I’m doing things right, I’ve also been taking pictures of my plants once a week to see how much they’ve grown. The first time I saw a new budding flower I was completely ecstatic. My new hobby isn’t all for nothing! I’m not failing at it! These little check-ins have given me the push needed to reassure myself that starting a new hobby and taking care of my plants actually does account for something.
Finally, my new hobby of taking care of my plants is also a matter of mindfulness. Taking a few minutes a day to check in with my plants and seeing how they’re doing is also a reminder to check in with myself. Having the alone time to look over nature, even in the comfort of your own home, is enough to remind yourself to stay grounded. Give yourself the time and attention the same way that you would do with plants. Make sure you’re fed well, accounting time for being outside, and overall seeing if you yourself have been making progress. Taking care of my plants has shown me that progress isn’t a complete step, but incremental. I could never expect my plants to fully bloom and grow six inches overnight, the same way I cannot finish a project or become a new person in one week if I so wanted to. Instead, taking note of progress is enough to push me along further.
With all that, I’ve proven to myself multiple things. Firstly, a new hobby is completely possible, and making a key aspect of it a learning experience makes it all the more worthwhile. Secondly, it’s proven to me (very matter of factly) that it is possible to start a new hobby and not excel at it immediately. Rather, it’s a series of steps that you take to make the hobby into something that you want to continue doing. Finally, my new hobby has manifested into me taking care of myself more and making sure to be mindful. Taking on a new hobby is fun, of course, but why you’re taking on the hobby is important. Bettering yourself, taking care of yourself, and having fun in the small things is what makes any hobby worthwhile.