Someone asked me, maybe even in a slightly challenging way, what hobbies I have. Before answering, I knew there was more behind the question than just what was asked. What was asked was, “What hobbies do you have?” The part that I felt was implied, but not voiced, was, “What hobbies do you have that keep your body active?” Perhaps I’m wrong, and the question wasn’t intended to be challenging nor qualified in such an unspoken way, but regardless it’s worth thinking about.
I answered the question honestly: I like reading, writing, doing crossword puzzles, listening to music, going to concerts, traveling, playing around with technology, cooking. I perceived, however, that the poser of the question was not satisfied. I had not named what they consider to be “hobbies,” which, to them, are things that keep one physically active. The best “hobby,” in fact, in 2026, would of course be pickleball. I do not play plickleball. I don’t ride horses, or lift weights, run, snow or water ski, swim, or rock climb. Most of my hobbies are sedentary activities.
This conversation has been stuck in my head ever since, if I’m being honest. My body has new aches and pains I’ve never had, and I’ve heard my whole life that the key to a long happy life is staying active. I do not accept the idea that sedentary hobbies are not real hobbies, but I would allow that some mix of physical/sedentary is a better balance. I like walking, I like riding a bike, I like hiking, I occasionally like yardwork… but I wouldn’t call them “hobbies.”
I’m not going to take up pickleball, or any other competitive sport/exercise. Just not me. I also don’t care much if someone thinks my hobbies aren’t real. I do care, however, about meeting the obligation I feel I have to be around for my kids, and maybe one day their kids.
Also written on this day...
- straining against california - 2018
- sportin' - 2004
- what doesn't make the cut - 2003