The Heartbeat of Hobbies: Stories of Passion, Growth, and Self-Discovery
What do you like to do for fun? It’s a question that we’ve all heard a thousand times in our lives. Whether breaking the ice with strangers or bonding with your new co-workers, sharing what you do for fun is inevitable. When someone asks, “What do you like to do for fun?” they’re trying to delve into the realm of your hobbies and passions. It’s a phrase that we can all resonate with because, let’s face it, everyone has their own cherished pastimes. Indulging in various pastimes takes many forms—whether it’s mastering culinary creations in the kitchen or immersing ourselves in the extensive world of television and film. We all have various things we like to do for fun. Beyond the mere entertainment we gain from our hobbies, they also provide solace amidst the chaotic lives that we live, offering us our own little sanctuary away from the busyness of our everyday obligations.
Each of us has probably explored an array of hobbies. For some, the quest continues for the one that’ll deeply resonate with them. While others have cherished the same passion since childhood. Regardless of the journey you’ve had with hobbies, there’s a universal truth: engaging in a hobby significantly enhances your health and overall well-being. We sat down with three individuals who have found fulfillment in their respective pastimes, delving into their journeys, motivations, and advice for anyone seeking a hobby. From the dynamic world of fitness to the nostalgic charm of collecting vinyl records and the disciplined practice of martial arts, hobbies offer diverse paths of exploration and personal growth.
From the Pitch to the Pavement
Orey, a 26-year-old graduate student at UCLA pursuing a master’s degree in social work, found liberation through her passion for fitness, particularly running. Initially, her fitness journey revolved around lifting weights, but a TikTok video inspired her to incorporate cardio into her routine, and in June 2023, she caught the “running bug.” Since then, she has immersed herself in the world of running, participating in races, and recently completing her first half marathon. Alongside her fitness endeavours, Orey has found joy in creating content on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube sharing her experiences, and inspiring others on their fitness journeys.
“I've always been into content creation. I've had a fitness account since 2021 when I did 75 Hard for the first time, it was always a fitness diary. I just enjoyed documenting my fitness journey. So, honestly, I think it's just a continuation of that. I've had that account for so long, and I've always tracked my progress, and I think people just followed me because it motivated them to be consistent.”
Growing up playing soccer, Orey associated running with punishment—a sentiment common among athletes. “I played D1 soccer, and I hated running, which is crazy. But running on a soccer field is completely different than just freelance running,” she says. Orey started playing soccer when she was just a kid and running and punishment went hand in hand. It wasn’t until she separated running and punishment that she realized she could do it for fun. Being able to run independently and free from the realms of what it was like as a soccer player leaves her feeling accomplished, knowing that she’s capable of running at her own pace. “I can just go out and jog for a mile, and it doesn't matter how long it takes me. That’s when I started to enjoy it,” expresses Orey.
Orey’s journey has been marked by milestones and moments of triumph, from conquering a 13-mile run along the Pacific Coast Highway to beating her goal time in her first half marathon after 20 weeks of training. Since our last conversation, she even embarked on a 14-mile run amidst the rain in Santa Monica.
For Orey, running is more than just a physical activity—it's a profound experience of freedom and self-appreciation. “It's the freedom I feel when I'm running, going out there and being in my own head and just appreciating life and my ability to just go on a run. That feeling and that appreciation for my body is something I've never experienced before.
Her advice to anyone embarking on their running journey? Invest in quality running shoes, slow down and don’t be afraid to walk. “It's not a race,” says Orey. “Just go out and enjoy yourself.”
Spinning Memories: The Record Collector
At 22 years old, Zoe Glasser is a local dining reporter at the Washington Post with a keen interest in collecting vinyl records. Hailing from Washington, DC, Glasser's love for vinyl records began at the tender age of 15 or 16, sparked by an unexpected inheritance from her grandparents.
It all started when her grandparents moved out of their old house, and they gave her family an old turntable. Despite its non-functioning state, Glasser became entranced by the idea of wanting to make it work. Though her initial attempts failed, her dad came to the rescue and bought a budget-friendly turntable from Amazon, igniting her love for vinyl records.
Photo Courtesy of Zoe Glasser
From there, Glasser’s collection blossomed, fueled by her first earnings in high school, which went straight to buying records. The first record she actively remembers buying was Panic! At The Disco’s “A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out.” Her collection, now approximately 205 records and CDs combined, with records comprising 70% of it, is a testament to her dedication. She also inherited around 100 records from her dad, including prized possessions like the original pressings of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and The Beatles “White Album.”
Reflecting on her upbringing, Glasser reminisces about a household filled with music. “I'm a child of the early 2000s,” she recalls. “CDs were so common; they were just always on in the car; we had a CD player in the house, and there's always music on in my house.”
For Glasser and countless enthusiasts, record collecting is more than just a hobby; it’s an immersive experience. “The ability to touch and hold music, that’s really what it was for me,” she explains. The act of placing a record on the turntable, experiencing it in its intended sequence, and physically flipping it over to bask in the beauty of analog sound is like no other.
Among her prized possessions, amidst her original pressings from Michael Jackson and The Beatles, stands her beloved Fall Out Boy album, “Folie à Deux.” Though choosing a favorite was no simple feat, this album holds a special place in her heart. Alongside it, she cherishes Neon Trees' “Everybody Talks” in its exclusive Heart-Shaped Edition for Record Store Day. Rounding out her collection are gems like “Take This to Your Grave" by Fall Out Boy, Paramore's “All We Know Is Falling,” and Gym Class Heroes' “As Cruel as School Children.”
Despite the misconceptions surrounding a hobby that involves spending money, Glasser sees it as a lifelong investment in her passion for music and supporting her favorite artists. “I don't ever foresee myself stopping liking music,” she asserts. “And I think I'm always gonna want to support my favorite artists beyond just streaming their music.”
The Art of Discipline: Martial Arts as a Way of Life
It all began with a haircut. As fate would have it, the dojo was right next to the hair salon where young Danielle Sanchez was getting her locks trimmed. Intrigued by how cool the dojo looked, she convinced her mother to sign her up for it and give it a try. Though initially hesitant, she found herself drawn to the dojo a few months later, when she returned to the same hair salon for another cut. And so, at the age of six, Sanchez embarked on her martial arts journey, which would span over 18 years and counting. Today, at 24, from Rockland County, NY, she is an audience development manager for Paramount+. Her path is forever intertwined with the discipline and passion of martial arts.
For Sanchez, the dojo became a second home, a place where she forged lasting memories and honed her skills. She’s trained at the same dojo since she was six years old. Her dedication to martial arts knew no bounds, and she has remained steadfast in her commitment, going no more than six months without training since she started. She’s trained in Kenpo Karate, Muay Thai kickboxing, and Brazilian Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Throughout her formative years, Sanchez’s journey was marked by milestones and achievements. She earned her first black belt at the age of nine, a feat accompanied by a rigorous test of both physical and mental endurance. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Sanchez recalls the significance of that achievement, "Most of my core memories have come from that place because I grew up there. Earning my first black belt was huge for me. It was on my ninth birthday, and it was really hard." Danielle went on to achieve her fourth-degree black belt in Muay Thai kickboxing just two days after graduating high school at the age of 18. It was a moment of immense pride and accomplishment, yet tinged with emotion, as she prepared to embark on her college journey, bidding farewell to her dojo family. It marked both an ending and a beginning, symbolizing the uncertainty and excitement of stepping into a new chapter of her life.
Danielle Sanchez, featuring Royler Gracie, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu pioneer.
Embarking on her college journey, Sanchez shifted her focus away from achieving ranks, yet her heart always led her back to the dojo, a place that felt like home since she was six. After graduating and returning home, she embraced Brazilian Gracie Jiu-Jitsu with renewed dedication. This past month, she achieved her blue belt—a significant milestone after six years without earning a belt. This accomplishment held profound meaning for her, considering her earlier struggles with the art. “It was very difficult for me to get into the right mindset that you need to be in to perform well, and I finally broke through the barrier of it, and when I did, it got so much more fun.”
Danielle Sanchez, featuring Kickboxing Champion Mickey Gall
Reflecting on her journey, Sanchez emphasizes the importance of aligning one's passions with their pursuits. She encourages others to explore hobbies that resonate with them deeply, drawing inspiration from their interests to enrich their lives. “I always try to build off some other passion that you have. That’s always a really good place to start when you're looking for hobbies. Think about those interests that you have, and then look at what you can do to engage in those interests.”
Whether it's the rhythm of running, the melodies of record collecting, the discipline of martial arts or any other hobby, the key to fulfilment lies in finding something that brings joy and meaning to your life. As Orey, Zoe, and Danielle have demonstrated, hobbies are more than just pastimes—they're sources of inspiration, personal development and fulfillment. So if you're feeling stuck or stressed, why not explore a new hobby? You never know where it might lead you.
