The Real Chic Life

This past Wednesday, I listened to the latest IMO podcast episode featuring Jessica Williams, the two-time Emmy-nominated comedian, former writer and correspondent for The Daily Show, and the hilarious psychiatrist on Shrinking (I’ve watched every episode).

The episode was titled Get a Hobby, Be Happy, and throughout the conversation, Jessica shared funny, inspiring stories about her career and her love of crafting. She talked about sewing her own puffy heart-shaped quilted tote bag and even making a pair of shorts with two completely different legs. Quirky? Absolutely. Wonderful? Also yes. But what struck me wasn’t the projects themselves—it was how obvious it was that creating things simply brings her joy.

Then, the very next day, I stumbled across a quote on Substack that stopped me in my tracks:

“The older I get, the clearer it becomes: people don’t disappear into gardening, baking, books, and long walks because life gets boring. They do it because peace becomes priceless.”

That thought lingered with me.

As a writer, I’ve learned that sometimes I choose the topic, and sometimes the topic chooses me. This felt like one of those moments.

It got me thinking about hobbies, happiness, and the quiet things that make life feel more rewarding. Summer has a way of slowing life down just enough for us to notice what we’ve been missing. And suddenly there’s room to ask an important question:

What do I enjoy simply for the joy of it?

Somewhere between careers, caregiving, errands, and endless to-do lists, many of us stop making time for hobbies. We convince ourselves they’re optional luxuries rather than essential ingredients for a happy life. But the truth is, hobbies aren’t frivolous. They’re one of the most underrated paths to fulfillment.

In a world that constantly asks what’s next, hobbies remind us what it feels like to simply be.

1. Hobbies Give You an Identity Beyond Your Responsibilities

Many women (and men) spend years defined by their roles—spouse, parent, employee, caregiver, volunteer. While those roles are meaningful, they aren’t the whole story.

A hobby reconnects you with the parts of yourself that exist outside of obligation. Whether it’s gardening, painting, photography, or learning to play tennis, hobbies create space for personal expression and growth.

2. They Reduce Stress in a Way Scrolling Never Will

We’ve all spent an hour scrolling social media only to feel more drained than when we started. Hobbies offer a different kind of escape.

When you’re fully engaged in an activity you enjoy, your mind gets a break from worries and mental clutter. Many hobbies create a state of “flow”—that wonderful feeling of being completely absorbed in the present moment.

3. They Bring More Joy to Everyday Life

One of the chicest things about having a hobby is that it gives you something to look forward to.

A pottery class on Thursday evenings. A Saturday morning walk with your camera. A new novel waiting on your nightstand. Small pleasures have a way of making life feel richer and more meaningful.

4. Hobbies Build Confidence

Trying something new can feel intimidating, especially in midlife. But every time you learn a new skill, you remind yourself that growth doesn’t have an expiration date.

Confidence isn’t built by already being good at something. It’s built by being willing to begin.

5. They Help You Connect with Like-Minded People

Many adult friendships begin through shared interests. Book clubs, gardening groups, pickleball leagues, writing workshops, and volunteer organizations all create opportunities to meet people who enjoy the same things you do.

Shared passions often lead to meaningful connections.

How to Find a Hobby You’ll Actually Love

If you’re not sure where to start, don’t overthink it. The goal isn’t to find the perfect hobby. It’s to rediscover curiosity.

Ask yourself:

• What did I enjoy as a child?
• What topics do I naturally read about?
• What activities make me lose track of time?
• What have I always wanted to try but never made time for?

Then give yourself permission to experiment.

You might explore:

• Reading
• Writing
• Gardening
• Cooking
• Photography
• Tennis or pickleball
• Painting
• Sewing
• Flower arranging
• Interior design
• Walking clubs
• Birdwatching
• Learning a language
• Volunteering

Not every hobby will be a perfect fit—and that’s okay. Sometimes the search itself becomes part of the adventure.

A Chic Summer Challenge

This summer, choose one new hobby and commit to it for thirty days.

Not because you’re trying to master it. Not because it will make you money. Not because it looks impressive online.

Simply because it brings you joy.

The happiest people often aren’t the busiest or the most successful. They’re the ones who have learned to make room for the things that light them up.

And that may be the chicest habit of all.

We’d love to hear about your favorite hobbies, or one you’re interested in taking on for thirty days. 

Xo, Tonya