Discover new passions by trying new activities

Parents, today’s blog addresses insecurities some have at trying new activities. I hope you will share it with your tweens and investigate some of the options with them. It is fun to search and discuss together because we learn about each other this way which helps everyone feel understood and cared about. You might even find something you can do together–like kayaking or acting, maybe.

Water fights. That’s not only Joey’s summer job (perfect for staying cool and earning money), but his natural abilities help in the perfect dousing of his target and the right moves to escape (well, most of the time).

In The Water Fight Professional by Angela Ruth Strong, Joey’s mom has other ideas though and signs him up for golf lessons, then tennis lessons. His friend Chance enjoys golf and tennis, but Joey feels he’s been labeled full of hijinks, a trouble maker and that he might not be good at any sport. When he finds he loves gymnastics, he almost gives it up because Isabelle, the annoying neighbor girl, takes gymnastics.

Explore various activities

Maybe you feel like Joey, wondering what you’re good at. Finding what you’re interested in and what you’re talented in takes time. It’s just a matter of continuing to try new things until you find what excites you, what you enjoy so much that you don’t even notice the time passing. Because of expense and time commitment, trying new activities means trying them one at a time, or at least only a couple at a time. If your schedule gets too crowded, stress might squeeze out some of the joy, leaving you frustrated, tired, exasperated.

The list of activities to try appears endless. Take a look at what extra-curricular activities your school offers. Don’t just consider sports. Consider other clubs such as forensics, FFA, student council, yearbook, theater, chorus, band, the school newspaper, creative writing, and others. When you’re signing up for classes, choose some electives that pique your interest such as photography, cooking, art, graphic design, computer programming, or engineering. Call or search online to find what the local YMCA, gyms, and community recreation departments offer. You might love self defense or martial arts. Volunteer at church in the nursery or sound booth. If you love to play an instrument or sing, ask if you can join the music ministry.

Working a part-time job can open doors to interests too. Helping the neighbors weed their vegetable and flower gardens might ignite a passion for gardening or landscaping. Mowing and shoveling snow bring satisfaction in a job well done. Your library might appreciate help shelving books. Elderly at a nursing home or assisted living facility might love for you to read them the newspaper or a book. Playing board games at the nursing home might lead to an interest in being an activity director or coordinator.

Sewing, crocheting, and knitting items for others blesses people. Pet sitting or helping exercise boarded animals at the veterinary clinic might also bring joy. I know people who foster animals and people who train service dogs.

Discuss ideas with your parents. They may have suggestions based on natural interests you have exhibited throughout the years.

Learning what you dislike is important too

Don’t feel bad if you find you dislike a choice. That just means you discovered something you aren’t interested in. That’s important to know too! Learning is never a waste of time. Some activities you will enjoy for a season. Others continue throughout your life.

God created each of us as unique individuals. Just because a friend doesn’t enjoy it doesn’t mean it isn’t something meant for you. Be brave and try new things even if it means stretching out of your comfort zone. Not only might you discover a new passion, but you will likely find a new friend whom you would have missed had you avoided stepping out to investigate this new activity.

Joey discovered he loved gymnastics and that he had a natural knack for it. He also found a new friend in the very person he thought he detested.

And that’s another wonderful point to remember: talk to people to learn who they are and about their interests. Often our misplaced, preconceived ideas rob us of a friendship. What a loss that can be.

What activities excite you? Which ones not so much? Did you make a new friend while participating? Please share in the comments.

Now, get out there and try something new! I love when new talents get revealed, don’t you? It’s SO exhilarating at any age. Have fun!

Photo of boy with water balloon in pool by James Balensiefen on Unsplash.

Photo of filling balloon with water from hose by Aaron Burden on Unsplash.

Photo girl taking photo by Monica Gozalo on Unsplash.