Over the last five years, I’ve asked myself a few times what do you want to do with your time? Are there new hobbies you want to try? Old ones to pick up? How will you fill all the time you expected to spend with your partner now that he is gone? What will bring you some level of happiness?

I’ve shared before that I like to travel at what some would call an unnatural pace. But I can’t spend every weekend jet-setting. (Although I’d like to try if someone will just give me an unlimited budget.)

For three years I became a patron of the theatre. I became a season ticket holder and purchased 2 seats. As each Broadway show toured through our city, I invited a different person to join me. It has been fun to share a meal and a show with my family and friends. I enjoyed having that time carved out for myself. After three years, it became something of a chore to organize, so I didn’t renew for the next season.

I researched adult swim clubs but didn’t find any close enough to home.

For a few months, I tried a few social groups that have in person gatherings. But never quite found a niche of people that I wanted to give up time with my current friends to see.

A few weeks ago, a friend texted that she was signing up for a Mahjong class. It has been popping up everywhere lately! So, I signed up for the class too. Tonight was the first of four classes, and it is definitely complex. I’m not sure I’ll have success finding a full group of people to play with, but I think I’m going to have fun learning.

My friends go getter attitude about signing up for a class to learn a new skill was inspiring. I’ve been wanting to try pickleball and golf too. I looked into classes through the local parks and rec department. Then I signed up for golf lessons, it’s been 17 years since I used my clubs! Pickleball lessons weren’t at a convenient time but it’s still on my list.

So, Mahjong in April and golf in May. I don’t know how long I’ll continue either hobby, but I’m putting myself out there and trying something different. As the kids keep getting older and more independent, the landscape of my free time is growing. I don’t want to wake up one day to an empty nest and nothing to enjoy. So I’m out here trying to find what I like and how I want to spend my time as a single vs a pair.

Have you picked up any new hobbies or even an old one?