I lost myself to my kids and not sure how to regain

[Anonymous]

I've spent the last 8 years raising 2 kids and lately they have become so independent that I have a lot of time alone on the weekends while they go to friends' houses etc.
I don't know what to do with myself, I have found that social media has sucked me in and I want to resist. What hobbies have you started as a 40-something? What do you do with a free day?

[Anonymous]

I started fostering dogs

[Anonymous]

I started learning the clarinet and joined a band. I also started quilting again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I started learning the clarinet and joined a band. I also started quilting again.

I love you. You’re amazing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I started learning the clarinet and joined a band. I also started quilting again.

I love you. You’re amazing.

Aw! You made my day. I’m pretty bad at clarinet but it’s been nice to learn something new.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've spent the last 8 years raising 2 kids and lately they have become so independent that I have a lot of time alone on the weekends while they go to friends' houses etc.
I don't know what to do with myself, I have found that social media has sucked me in and I want to resist. What hobbies have you started as a 40-something? What do you do with a free day?

I WOH and have two little kids. Days off when I have childcare I spend in my garden or fixing/building stuff around the house. I dream of not working and taking up embroidery and serious working out again while kids are at school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I started learning the clarinet and joined a band. I also started quilting again.

I love you. You’re amazing.

Aw! You made my day. I’m pretty bad at clarinet but it’s been nice to learn something new.

NP here. You are cool! I agree with the first poster - that’s a brilliant choice! Be proud of yourself!!

[Anonymous]

Violin lessons and art.

[Anonymous]

I started running. Download a Couch25k app

[Anonymous]

Thanks to some recommendations on DCUM I started reading The Artist’s Way. I too highly recommend it!

[Anonymous]

I'm learning a new language

[Anonymous]

Gardening, volunteer for political campaign, reconnecting with old friends/making new friends. My friends have been really responsive to having a standing time to walk together during the week.

[Anonymous]

I sincerely cannot wait for this - I know I shouldn't wish the days away but I am in the thick of it with a 2, 5 and 7 year old. I can't wait to start taking gym classes again, yoga, learn something new. Right now if I can squeeze a 30 minute workout in I consider that a win!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I sincerely cannot wait for this - I know I shouldn't wish the days away but I am in the thick of it with a 2, 5 and 7 year old. I can't wait to start taking gym classes again, yoga, learn something new. Right now if I can squeeze a 30 minute workout in I consider that a win!

You'll get there. I'm the clarinet person and I didn't start until my youngest was 13. There's time. Enjoy the workouts you can get!

[Anonymous]

I garden. I have always gardened some, but had no time when my kid was little. As he has gotten older I've had more and more time. When he was 8 or so I took up my old sport again. He is now in high school and he doesn't need my time as much. I am caring for elderly relatives - that wasn't in the plan, but you do what you need to.

Find something that brings you joy, OP, and dive in.