For some, calling their passion a hobby is like calling a fireman a candle snuffer. It might burn through all their time and blaze so brightly it becomes a way of life. If you have a passion like this, you probably know exactly what we’re talking about. If you’re puzzled by the concept of an all-consuming hobby, here are 15 examples that explain it all.
Horse Riding
Those who ride horses 100% love them; there’s no in-between. They’re the kind of hobbyists who have horse calendars on their walls, spend every spare moment in the arena or on horse trails, and probably enjoy the company of their horses more than some of their friends. It’s not a hobby they dabble in on the weekends; it’s their whole life.
Sailing
From the first moment you trim the sails, it’s obvious if sailing will be a lifelong lifestyle for you. Those who sail commit fully, joining clubs and even sometimes theming their interior decor around boats. Often, sailing is also a skill passed down in families. It’s a way of life, and the open seas never stop calling.
Running
Running becomes almost addictive. The rush of endorphins keeps you coming back for more until suddenly you’re running marathons, your conversations revolve around it, and you feel frustrated if you miss your run for even one day.
Fishing
Once fishing has its hooks in you (pun intended), scouting out new creeks, lakes, and rivers where you can cast your line becomes a near obsession. There’s nothing like the combination of relaxation and the rush of catching a fish, no matter how small.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is as exciting as it is social, and new climbers are welcomed into clubs. The challenge quickly draws you in, until soon you have a whole closet for your climbing shoes and you can’t wait for the next ascent. Even when driving past a rock face, hard-core rock climbers are tempted to stop and start scaling it (totally possible as their gear now lives in the car).
History Reenacting
Civil War, World War, Medieval, and any kind of reenacting is not just a pastime for enthusiasts. Some say it’s so consuming it can even take over their personal life. Visits to thrift shops to hunt authentic historical props become frequent, and some items become a daily accessory adorning their outfits, like a braided belt or old-fashioned hat. It can get to the point where reenactors can spot a fellow fanatic at a glance.
Dungeons and Dragons
Dungeons and Dragons, or D&D for those in the know, is not a hobby—this absorbing fantasy game becomes part of its players’ real life. It’s almost as if the characters gamers play in the D&D world don’t leave them when the game is finished, or rather, paused. Games can carry on through weekends and the night, and the storytelling aspect often seeps into every corner of a D&D gamer’s life.
Flying
For those who pilot aircraft, flying is often part of their identity. Whether it’s in a Cessna 152, microlight, glider, or basically anything with wings, flyers can’t get enough of being in the sky. It’s also not what it looks like in the movies—think more talk of aluminum and pitch and less Top Gun. It’s a commitment that requires training and a lot of time, and it has a way of charting its own course through an enthusiast’s schedule.
Hiking
Hiking is the kind of hobby that starts off with a trail or two, then suddenly becomes the thing you do to relax, a favorite activity with friends and family, the way you walk your dog, and how you spend every free moment.
Motorbike Riding
Anyone who knows a motorbike riding enthusiast knows they don’t stop talking about it. Even when you meet them for the first time, you often know within a few minutes that they are bikers. Disposable income goes straight to gear, and weekends are dominated by rides. It even finds its way into the work commute, with riders seeing it as a valid way to get from A to B. Established communities form around this passion, and it truly is a way of life.
Cosplay
Dressing up as a comic book hero, movie villain, or novel character is a full-on commitment for cosplayers, not fancy dress. In fact, it’s safer not to use the words “dressing up” when talking about Cosplay (short for costume play), and rather say performance art. This activity pulls its followers into a world where their favorite fantasy fiction comes to life. Comic-Con (comic book convention) is often the most important event of the year for cosplayers, and most make their own costumes by hand—a process that fills their free time.
Music
Loving and/or playing music is a passion that sticks. It’s seen as a personality trait—musicians, vinyl record collectors, DJs, and any kind of music-lover can attest that friends and family go on autopilot when it comes to gifts and cards. Music-note decorated mugs, mini retro-record coasters, guitar picks, and messages that begin with “Rock on” often appear at birthdays.
Thrifting
Thrifting is a hobby that’s speedily gaining popularity. Often, it’s linked to someone’s core values—like living sustainably and/or being super savvy with money—and so it becomes a lifestyle choice more than a pastime. Plus, finding that perfect item buried in the store is like an intoxicating treasure hunt.
Flipping
Finding a diamond in the rough, whether it’s a house, piece of furniture, or even a car, then fixing it up and selling it at a profit is an adrenalin-endorphin roller coaster that can be really fun to ride. It becomes so intrinsic to someone’s lifestyle that they may even make a career out of it.
Roller Derby
There’s no turning back on the track once the skates are on. Many say being part of a roller derby team changed their life. Women, specifically, say it can be incredibly empowering. The tight-knit teams, fast-paced action, and practice of taking on stage names and personas make this sport a full-contact lifestyle.
Soul Pursuits
Leisure activity? Or life-changing? Passionate pursuits can be a way for people to find meaning, community, expression, and empowerment.
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