What new things are you doing in your adult life?

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GarciaWolf@reddit

Sounds kinda lame but I work with people younger and older and always ask them for new music to listen to.. like I just listened to ‘folklore’ for the first time and I’m actually impressed

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ShootinTheBreez@reddit

This month I discovered both the Hermanos Gutierrez and a British band called Alabama 2. Would highly recommend both, but they couldn’t be more different vibes.

Alabama 2 went by A2 in the US so as not to be confused with the southern rock band Alabama. Their one big hit was the theme song from the Sopranos, but a meander through their catalog has some real treasure (try Ain’t Goin to Goa).

If you want to try the Hermanos Gutierrez, Esperanza is a good start as a song, or if you’re up for an album El Bueno y El Malo doesn’t disappoint. The guys are actually brothers, from Switzerland (go figure), and they’re having a variable love affair with western sounds. El Bueno y El Malo is supposedly inspired by the movie The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

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ShootinTheBreez@reddit

I’m taking high school biology at the local community college. I snoozed my way through 70% of actual high school biology in 1998 and thought it was boring af. But I’ve become super interested in genetics and genomic medicine over the past five years. We’re only beginning to understand the human genome and develop cures for genetic disease. The next 100 years in medicine is going to be breathtaking.

I’m treating this as a part-time hobby, and this is the end of my first semester doing it, so we’ll see how far I get, but right now I’m really excited about it.

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trustme1maDR@reddit

Practicing radical self acceptance. I've had almost half a century to try to meet other people's expectations of me. Just letting go of how I "should" be/act has given me a lot more energy and peace.

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jackytheripper1@reddit

Same except I'm doing it by radically not giving a fuck

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KCRoyalsFan402@reddit

That's rad

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CelticSith@reddit

Totally

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jackytheripper1@reddit

Thanks! It's very freeing

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avalonfaith@reddit

That's about it right there.

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alehanjro2017@reddit

I started doing this a couple of years ago and my life is less complicated and much more peaceful. I'm 46 and my perspective on everyday life has changed. Also I take a lot more photos and get them printed. Ive become that guy that gifts pics to friends and family.

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The_Long_Blank_Stare@reddit

I’m so proud of you!

It baffles lots of people, but being okay with who you are is so key to letting go and loving life.

I’m still working on it daily.

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fauxshoyall@reddit

Same. Sometimes it feels like I'm not "doing anything" because it is self-contained and not at all showy. There's no certificate, etc.

I have to remind myself: "uh, you are doing a lot right now. Working thru 40+ years of nonsense, in a world where the loudest voices want the opposite for you. Good job. Be grateful for what you've done and see that in others."

I had to remind myself today, in fact.

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trustme1maDR@reddit

I love this! It really is a practice because I have to constantly remind myself too.

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Woodworker1982@reddit

I struggle with this.

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fauxshoyall@reddit

I did too for a long time. Tara Brach's book "Radical Acceptance" has changed my life in ways that therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy never could. I supplement it with Pema Chodron's Compassion Cards each day.

Good therapy and legal drugs are still a part of the equation, for sure, for me.

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trustme1maDR@reddit

Tara Brach!! 100% agree!

I love Pema's books and talk too

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trustme1maDR@reddit

I didn't do it on my own! Therapists/coaches, books. It has helped! I'm still actively working on it.

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Ineedavodka2019@reddit

Therapy and perimenopause helped a lot.

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avalonfaith@reddit

"Raaaaage! Raaage against the dying of the light! "

OK so I may know this quote. Partly from watching Cougar Town. Dammit it's a good show, this is a judgment free zone! I know the poem though. It has always stuck with me from that episode as the 40's peeps were wanting to do old people stuff and the new old people in the neighborhood were looking to hang out and party with the young 40s people.

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cozycorner@reddit

Also Against the Machine

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avalonfaith@reddit

Always against the machine. The machine and the light. We must rage against them! 🤘🏾 🎸

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sunkistandsudafed3@reddit

With you 100%.

I'm hot, sometimes angry and often tired. It doesnt leave room for bullshit.

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maggie320@reddit

Same. Doing my thing, living my life and that’s all I need.

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Yupster_atx@reddit

But do you have a hobby?

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maggie320@reddit

I do. I’ve gotten some travel out of the way, just doing it on my own.

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Pasadenaian@reddit

I really need this!

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cozycorner@reddit

Hell yeah!

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InfamousCantaloupe38@reddit

Good for you, me too. It seems to naturally bridge into giving less of a fuck about things I'm not passionate about, and that's a nice bonus. I'm still learning more every day tho, and that's one of my fascinations with life current, just learning as much as I can whenever I can.

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GitPushItRealGood@reddit

This HomeGoods pillow worthy quote occurred to me the other day: “be happy with who I am rather than who I expected to be”

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figment1979@reddit

At first I read that as "...who I am expected to be", then when I re-read it I realized the "am" is not there. Both are good and true though!

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trustme1maDR@reddit

This reminds me of Jo from Little Women. "I should have been a great many things..." 😭

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telos2020@reddit

Great comment, so difficult in practice.

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Upset-Word151@reddit

Yes!! It’s so freeing! I needed a therapist to tell me it was ok to focus on me, now I choose when to engage with no guilt behind it!

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tgbarbie@reddit

I started doing the NY Times crossword every day again, i used to do it in my student newspaper in college. I've got Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday down pretty easily, Thursday starts to be a struggle.

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eight-sided@reddit

Me too, and within a few months I started learning to "construct* those puzzles. It's been a deep rabbit hole. Got one puzzle accepted so far, with more promising ones in the queue!

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AntisocialFlutterby3@reddit

Congrats, thats awesome! Can you share a bit about learning to construct a puzzle?

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eight-sided@reddit

Ugh, I stupidly replied from my alt and then failed to copy-paste as intended when trying to get it back to this account. Hopefully that got emailed to you!

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sundae-on-fire@reddit

Sure! There's a PDF book by Patrick Berry (a legend) that you can buy online for $10 that tells you everything, and that's the book I learned from. Along with finding a collaborator who had done it all before. The main steps for the average crossword puzzle are:

1) Think of a cool theme (like, puns about bicycles. Or, multi-word entries that contain the names of birds within them... backwards).

2) List out a whole bunch of possible theme entries. Do this in a spreadsheet so you can easily sort by length, and maybe have a column to score them according to your own level of awesomeness.

2.5) Also list out a few "revealer" entries that might clue the theme. Ideally this is clever and has a double meaning. Maybe "FLIP THE BIRD"?

3) See whether you have a decent *set* of theme entries that will fit symmetrically into a crossword grid. Usually you need matching pairs, and you can include the revealer in this. Like say maybe a 15-letter entry spanning the very center, and two 9-letter entries, and then one that matches the revealer.

3.5) Think very critically about this set. Are the entries all using exactly the same type of trick, but with different enough entries? Are they funny? Do they avoid anything that might offend or upset a swath of readers? Consider a few possible sets. STRONGLY CONSIDER GIVING UP HERE.

4) Put the entries into a 15x15 grid (now you have finally fired up the crossword software. Crosserville? Ingrid?). Find a way to add black squares so that the resultant grid is fillable. The software will tell you when it's fillable, but basically this step is a black art. It's gotta have symmetry, and you don't want too many black squares.

5) Fill the rest of the grid with "fill", that is to say other words that are not theme entries. The software helps, but is not enough. Insert your own judgement and wit here. Try at least three or four different times, from scratch.

5.5) Agonize over the worst fill. Can you get rid of it? Agonize over entries that are too similar to each other. Wonder if you used too many acronyms. FEEL BAD ABOUT YOURSELF but don't stop now, you're in way too deep.

6) Write the clues. This is fun, but kind of low stakes. The editors are likely to change a lot of them anyway, and they're also unlikely to reject your puzzle based on clues if the grid is good.

7) Submit the puzzle and wait, wait, wait. Start next puzzle while waiting.

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AntisocialFlutterby3@reddit

I do the crossword every morning on my commute and for fun on the weekends. After doing this for years, I think Thursday is the hardest. I know everyone says Saturday but Thursday is my nemesis. Sunday seems intimidating but only because of size (🤭). The more you do it, the better you get! Swear I'm still talking about crosswords!

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shagbark_dryad@reddit

Does the puzzle itself get progressively more difficult as the week goes on, or is your brain tiring? No judgement, mine would struggle by Tuesday lol

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tgbarbie@reddit

yes! saturday is the hardest, sunday is both longest and hardest.

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shagbark_dryad@reddit

You'll be rocking Thursday in no time. Then, it's on to making the weekend tremble at the sight of your pen!

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BigRedMik@reddit

So many things, but the most impactful has been maintaining a healthy mindset about work. A combination of imposter syndrome and need to be a valuable contributor has been replaced with a blend of “I’m not paid to care, just to do” and “fuck you, I’m awesome.”

Learned to knit and crochet over the last 5 years. I make beautiful things like intricate lacework shawls that no one would really wear because I find joy in making them, not in the outcome. I’m trying out bullet journaling to process life externally. I’ve turned into a gym rat and am building the body I’ve always wanted but never worked for.

It’s way too easy to be overwhelmed by the feeling that the world is burning down around me, so I’m putting my energy into the idea that being an adult can really amazing if you let it.

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Waiting2Sneeze@reddit

I’m 45 and I just had my first kid. It is absolutely the best.

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os_beef@reddit (OP)

I'm happy for you. Seems like having kids later in life has a lot of benefits. I'm glad I didn't when I was younger, because I was a mess.

Enjoy the experience. Wish you the best.

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odin_the_wiggler@reddit

Wait until they're 3 and in their illogical goblin phase. Hair turned grey in a single year.

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Rdubya291@reddit

Ugh. Wife and I got bored over Covid and started all over again. Have one who turned 5 a few months ago and another about to turn 4. I can sometimes see the light at the end of the tunnel.

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EatLard@reddit

43 and my oldest graduates next spring. Every phase of their lives is a new adventure. As difficult as it will be in those early years, raising a brand new human is one of the most rewarding things you can do.

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No_Sympathy_359@reddit

Going to sleep early

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lilabell5@reddit

Tap dancing!

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Bastard1066@reddit

Fell into perimenopause a few years ago and I've jumped onto the weightlifting bandwagon. When I fall, I want my bones to break the floor.

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trustme1maDR@reddit

Same! I lifted when I was younger, but the focus was always on weight loss. Now I'm just doing it so I'm strong and feel good. I even taught a friend how to lift and that really helped reinforce some confidence

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Top-Wolverine-8684@reddit

My husband and I have a goal of going to a new country each year. I always have a trip in the works, so it gives us something to look forward to. With that comes all kinds of new adventures and experiences!

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MediumLanguageModel@reddit

That's a great goal! What's on your list?

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Top-Wolverine-8684@reddit

A lot of it comes down to 1) specific things we want to see, 2) what we want to do while we still have knees that work (for example, you need knees for the Acropolis in Athens, which we did in 2024). Next month we're taking our young-adult kids with us to Costa Rica, and then we're doing another couple of countries in Europe in the Fall because we both have a lot of vacation days to burn. We've already done a lot of our "must sees" over the last 12 years, but the biggest ones left on the bucket list are Machu Picchu and Egypt.

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MediumLanguageModel@reddit

Sounds amazing! Machu Picchu is on my list as well! Funny you mention it, I almost went there when I was in Peru, but was having knee problems so I couldn't manage the hike. Not that I'm complaining about having an excuse to go back to Peru!

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Top-Wolverine-8684@reddit

The knee thing is no joke!!! My husband is 9 years older, and he's already dealing with those issues. I think a double replacement is in his future. :-/

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PickledPixie83@reddit

I don’t really have the expendable income to spend a ton on my hobbies. I’ve been trying to teach my self embroidery and crochet. I read a lot. Getting back into fitness after a spinal fusion.

These sound like boring old lady hobbie but I don’t really care because they make me happy.

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Neither-Mycologist77@reddit

I read, work out, and knit when I have the time. We're broke and busy. Reading and knitting have been my hobbies since I was like 9, so it's not new, but really leaning into those deliberately feels like coming home.

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Anxious-Cupcake-84@reddit

I love embroidery!!! It's really peaceful except when you stab under your finger.

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SyntheticScrivner@reddit

More weed and more gay sex.

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e0nblue@reddit

I started exploring my bi side a lot more in my late 30s and rekindled my interest in psychedelics too. I feel like I’m now doing all the stuff that I should’ve done in my 20s haha.

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SyntheticScrivner@reddit

Honestly, same.

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uknowaviato@reddit

I love this for both of you

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SyntheticScrivner@reddit

Thanks. it was a massive mental health upgrade. 😎

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Fappy_as_a_Clam@reddit

Are you gay or is the gay sex a new thing?

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SyntheticScrivner@reddit

Bisexual.

Turns out you gotta embrace that kinda thing if you ever wanna feel like a whole person.

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Traditional_Cat_60@reddit

I am curious about this too. (The answer to his question, not about gay sex)

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sadsadtim@reddit

Cable management

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jackfaire@reddit

I started going to the gym. I'm a night shift worker and I was trying to shift my sleep to go out during the day time but I've realized that just isn't going to work so I'm finding things I can do at night when the world's asleep. My nearby gym is 24/7.

I'm also building universes. Right now I'm creating chronological watch lists on my Plex server for Star Trek, MCU, Stargate, Arrowverse, and NCIS.

Also playing video games I've been meaning to play for years. Just started American McGee's Alice: Madness Returns.

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Dimplefrom-YA@reddit

first date dating again. bah what a horror show

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OG_Cryptkeeper@reddit

My wife doesn’t believe me when I tell her “if something happened to you, I’d never date again” but I swear to god it’s the truth. It’s a shitshow out there.

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Dimplefrom-YA@reddit

i want to date widowers like myself.. but the only hits i'm getting are 60+ i'm 44. so all i get are divorcees and GOD.. .they are INSANE

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absentlyric@reddit

It's just as bad for never married men as well. If you are a divorcee, something's wrong with you. If you never been married by your 40s, something is wrong with you, can't really win.

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vand3lay1ndustries@reddit

Some divorcees were just cheated on and have the courage to act on their own self-respect.

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Flowersinhercurls@reddit

Or they realized their relationship was not healthy and it was time to leave.

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Automatic_Beat5808@reddit

Ditto! If my partner dies, I'm getting more dogs.

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Fappy_as_a_Clam@reddit

I told my wife the same.

But I also said I'd just go get hj's at a massage parlor instead of trying to date. And she was surprisingly understanding about that.

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OG_Cryptkeeper@reddit

Godspeed

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New_Stats@reddit

Yeah I finally gave up. Turns out that 99.9% of men on dating apps are either married, have terrifying red flags or EXTREMELY stupid. God they're so dumb

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Jennos23@reddit

They have all been left by their wives and not one seems to have the slightest idea the wife left. It’s grim out here.

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Leon_Trout@reddit

Sorry you're having a bad time. Dating in my forties has been way more fun than when I was younger!

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Dimplefrom-YA@reddit

where in the world are you meeting them?

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Leon_Trout@reddit

On apps, volunteering, social dancing, through friends

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Dimplefrom-YA@reddit

my GOD! I met a guy through friends 3 weeks ago... he was a divorcee.. LORD HE WAS BITTER about his ex. He also had no social skills whatsoever. i did all the talking. Then he told my friend I'm way too americanized. Like wtf?! How am i supposed to respond to that? I was born in USA. I didn't know i was supposed to act some other way...

Then another friend introduced me to a guy 10 years younger than me.. and all he wanted to do was get in my pants. I felt i was rocking the cradle.

apps keep hooking me up with the geriatrics club. I cannot believe there are no widowers out there between the ages of 38-50.

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Leon_Trout@reddit

To be fair, I'm not dating men. I hear it's pretty bad out there lol. I've had luck on the apps, but there is so much vetting and weeding out the weirdos. Getting out into the world and getting to know people irl has been more fun.

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JoyfullyMortified43@reddit

Agreed, married my husband at 41. It's a one and done for me lol. 5yr anniversary in June.

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Moxie_Stardust@reddit

Oh no, it was difficult enough for me when I waded back into the pool in 2013, don't know if I could do it now.

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a-ha_partridge@reddit

I started resistance training like 7 months ago and it feels awesome.

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_Internet_Hugs_@reddit

I was raised Mormon and slowly started leaving the church in 2015. I feel like I'm constantly discovering new things that make me feel like a whole, complete person. Things that I was curious about as a child but was shut out of or was told it was taboo.

I'm really coming into my own and finding that the things that were frowned on in church are some of my greatest assets in the real world.

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AggressiveWin42@reddit

Learned to ride a motorcycle. My family bought me the course as a Mother’s Day gift last year.

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metajames@reddit

Building things with AI. Feels like the writing html and PHP is 1995 again. It’s wild.

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Eat_more_tacos_@reddit

I left everything behind last year and got my CDL. I drive across the country and experience a new place everyday. But it’s tiring sometimes and I’ll probably return to a local job later this year.

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metajames@reddit

This made me think of that scene in top gun where goose talks about getting a trucking job lol.

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Checktheusernombre@reddit

This is kinda my backup plan if I were to get laid off. Any ideas if it is feasible?

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Eat_more_tacos_@reddit

So at the moment, freight has slowed down due to exorbitant diesel prices but it’s definitely feasible. You just have to change your frame of mind and live small. If your truck doesn’t have them, buy a fridge and microwave. Buy food at the grocery store. If you don’t, it’s easy to drop $250 a week on truck stop food. Exercise if possible. It’s easy to gain weight out here. I drive a flatbed so I stay active during load securement. If I’m not driving on a weekend, I will usually uber into whatever city I’m close to, if there are rides available, and I will walk around to check things out.

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absentlyric@reddit

Good advice, my best friend did the same thing. He was a computer programmer, but he couldn't stand the modern office culture and the constant worry of outsourcing.

So he gave it all up and got his CDL and is a trucker, but he got in with the union and works locally in Michigan, by locally I mean all over the state, but he's home at nights. He says he loves it compared to sitting in the office programming.

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Checktheusernombre@reddit

I'm in the same spot as your friend. Pretty much done with the office life and constant fear of being eliminated. With AI it's even worse.

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HansVonHansen@reddit

I’ve joined a men’s social group. We meet up every Tuesday for an evening at a cafe, then we’ve got events and other activities several times a month: a run club, games nights, etc. We’re not all necessarily Xennials. On Sunday we had a day out with a life coach and a hypnotherapist who were giving a talk about overcoming anxiety. This Saturday we have a yacht party with a women’s club, and we’re trying to figure out the best day for our upcoming wings night. It’s definitely been engaging.

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Sht_n_giglz@reddit

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HansVonHansen@reddit

If only...

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drklib@reddit

I compete in agility with our English Bulldog! It has been great to build a partnership with her and I've made some great friends. We will be at Nationals at the end of May, and I'm really excited!

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CheesaLouisa@reddit

Songwriting since 2018. I’ve got a good few songs written now and am working on getting some tracks laid down this summer :)

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Dapup2465@reddit

I built a bar for my deck. I am not handy.

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Automatic_Beat5808@reddit

The fuck you aren't!

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affectionateanarchy8@reddit

You are now

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shagbark_dryad@reddit

Maybe not when you started, but you are certainly handy now. That looks great!

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New_Stats@reddit

It looks like you are handy tho

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SpiralOutski@reddit

Bro yes you are lol. That looks awesome.

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RedSolez@reddit

When my husband and I learned to scuba dive, I remember the course book said that the purpose of scuba diving was to "Meet people, go places, and do things."

That's also my mantra for life. Every single year I make it a point to meet and befriend new people, go some places I've never been (and revisit old favorites), and do something I've never done but have always wanted to do. I have always been a happy and optimistic person, and I think that stems from the fact that I'm naturally curious, so there's this sense that something exciting is always out there for me to uncover.

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Ok_Industry3016@reddit

Camping.

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thetea98@reddit

Running for political office because WTAFFFFF.

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big_ringer@reddit

I'm submitting all the stories I've written over the last few years. Got my first rejection letter.

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bakedveldtland@reddit

I’ll tell you, rejection used to really scare me. My husband is a writer and he is fearless with rejection. It’s inspired me to see how he just keeps plugging away. He DGAF when he gets criticism, he just uses it to get better.

I adopted that attitude, and it helped me get my first scientific paper published a couple of weeks ago! Old me could have never.

Good luck with your submissions!

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marbotty@reddit

Would be amazing if your paper dealt with the science of rejection ;)

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bakedveldtland@reddit

I’m sure someone out there is studying that topic, but alas mine was on bottlenose dolphin diet 🐟 🐬

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Traditional_Cat_60@reddit

You became the marine biologist those encyclopedia commercials used tot talk about!

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bakedveldtland@reddit

I thought it was George from Seinfeld that was talking about it lol

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big_ringer@reddit

My creative writing teacher told me how he used rejection letters as wallpaper (and I think Stephen King did something similar). It's just a matter of waiting for the right publisher.

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MediumLanguageModel@reddit

Congratulations on your first rejection letter! I bet 99% of would-be writers never get one. I know I haven't!

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pico310@reddit

Raising a kid. lol

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Aardet@reddit

It’s so interesting that for many of us, the answer is ‘the arts’ — music, crafts, etc. We’re told by early adulthood that this stuff will get us nowhere (i.e. it doesn’t help corporations) but we always come back to it eventually. We’d be happier if we didn’t have to push it to the sidelines in the first place (and I’m guessing our societies would be more functional).

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Moxie_Stardust@reddit

I've been learning new instruments throughout my 40s, played guitar from teens until 30s, added mandolin, then in my 40s added banjo, ukulele, and keys. Considering taking a stab at trumpet next.

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uknowaviato@reddit

Nice. I added the dobro and classical guitar after playing bass most of my life.

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EnvironmentalPack451@reddit

I seem to be all-in on effects pedals these days

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Moxie_Stardust@reddit

My collection grew much faster than it had any right to... on the plus side, a lot of them are useful for synthesizer too 😅I went years and years with just a few pedals, then blammo! Pedal farm!

I have some friends coming over to do some recording tonight, one of the tracks I'm going to sing through a bitcrusher pedal and sound like a retro android.

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s-multicellular@reddit

I was a horrible pedal flipper for years. But the Empress Zoia killed it. It is a 'doing anything else I want to' pedal. I still have your basic bread and butter other pedals, but that fills all so many other gaps.

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Moxie_Stardust@reddit

That thing scares me 😅

It does seem like it's capable of some very impressive stuff if you put in the time though.

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s-multicellular@reddit

I would be intimidated too but during the early COVID wave, I was working from home and not getting together with bandmates and got into a bit of a dive into modular synthesis. If you understand that stuff, it is easy enough to use.

But it is also very much, not a pedal you would tweak on the fly.

However, my pedalboard was already all MIDI wired up. In big part, that is just because I am also a lead singer. I just can't take my mouth away from the mic reliably to tap dance on pedals. So I have a Boss MS3 that controls everything and, once set up, it is as easy as each of its 4 pedals are just a section of the song. They switch whatever on / off etc.

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TheAngerMonkey@reddit

I started in violin as a kid and branched out to ukulele and electric bass in my 40s. I'm working on guitar but I'm pretty sure I'm only smart enough for 4 strings. 😂

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Moxie_Stardust@reddit

Tenor guitar is an option! That's what my partner is opting for after repeated struggling with the six string, and then having some success with uke.

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toodledootootootoo@reddit

I’m the backwards you!! Started with tenor banjo, then ukulele, then back to banjo with actual lessons and greek bouzouki. I finally decided to stop being intimidated and bought myself an electric guitar last year!

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Moxie_Stardust@reddit

I've got a tenor banjo now, but I'm tuning it GDAE, same as my mando and Irish bouzouki/octave mando so I didn't include it in the line-up since it's so closely related 😅

Electric guitar can certainly be a lot of fun! Sounds like you're well-prepared for success.

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toodledootootootoo@reddit

Is the mandolin a lot harder on the fingers than the banjo? I’ve heard the action is very high on mandolins

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Moxie_Stardust@reddit

It's not so much a factor of action (just took a glance and I think they're similar) as it is that there's two courses of strings for each finger, and more string tension & thicker strings. So yeah, harder on the fingertips and fingers, I use medium strings on the banjo, with the thickest being .023, whereas my medium mando strings on the G and D courses are .040 and .026.

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hallowdmachine@reddit

Fellow guitar player with a little banjo and mandolin under his belt. I'm working on learning the drums at the moment. Picked up a decent kit for a song (pun intended) at a thrift store.

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Unique_Ad_3312@reddit

Learning crochet and embroidery.

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Mindless_Increase413@reddit

Stood up in front of 200 peeps today and didn't freak. That's a win

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DoctorAvailable6601@reddit

Not sucking it up and keeping quiet for the sake of keeping the peace and saying no to things I don't want to do. Thank you perimenopause.

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Icy_Hippo@reddit

trying new hobbies and sports, good for brain health too and making new friends!

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edwardturnerlives@reddit

Things I started in my 40s are mountain biking and repairing vintage stereo equipment and pinball machines. I still do all my other hobbies like art, guitar, motorcycles. I don't bmx anymore unfortuantely. I turn 50 in 6 months.

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MediumLanguageModel@reddit

I love the idea of getting into repairs of vintage/analog equipment. I'm not handy but I get more joy than I should out of things like fixing a garbage disposal.

What would you recommend to someone thinking about taking up such a hobby?

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edwardturnerlives@reddit

Start with something easy like replacing the capacitors in some old speakers. The cross-over inside usually only has a few components. It will become a deep rabbit hole very quickly. My favorite tool very quickly has become my desoldering tool.

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MediumLanguageModel@reddit

Mmmm lead vapors.

Good stuff. I'm looking to set up a hobby room at my next place and seems like a cool project to get into.

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Fine_time@reddit

Living with a boyfriend. Haven’t done this since my 20’s.

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keto_and_me@reddit

I’m doing solo travel weekends. Frontier has a deals page and when I have a free weekend, I look up what deals I can find. This weekend I’m going to Orlando for $68 round trip. Seeing new cities, exploring new restaurants, this weekend I will be riding new rollercoasters!

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Traditional_Cat_60@reddit

Fiber. So much fiber this last year. After ten years of high cholesterol I dropped it 50 points. It’s just barely in the “healthy” region now. Hopefully I get another drop next year. Two fiber gummies with lunch and dinner every single day.

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Fappy_as_a_Clam@reddit

I'm raising a kid, never done that before.

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Rubik842@reddit

Embracing being a hermit. Getting a comfy campervan set up so we can be partially nomadic hermits.

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MrsDonaldDraper@reddit

I started a virtual DnD campaign last year with some friends I’ve been playing video games with for years. We are planning an in person meetup next year!😄

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randomhero1980@reddit

Working out with kettlebells and buying scooters to go on local adventures.

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lascriptori@reddit

Building new hobbies, doing new creative projects, doing some really fun trips, considering a professional shift, investing in my marriage and my kids, cutting back on alcohol by like 95% because my body hates it even though I think it's fun, keeping my social community strong, trying to not let my phone suck up all my time and brain space, trying to unlearn fucked up outlooks that I picked up in childhood growing up with a narcissistic parent, trying to figure out what giving myself appropriate time to rest and be chill means. I'm still spending lot of time reading, which is a lifelong love.

I feel like I may be having a whiff of a midlife crisis, like not fullblown, but just this awareness that we only have the one life, and if my job is causing stress and unhappiness, maybe I should address that.

I still feel young, healthy, active and bright, but I can also see where there's another chapter of life and it's all finite so I should enjoy it and make good use of it while I can.

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AntisocialFlutterby3@reddit

Wow, so much of this resonates with me. Many similar changes/adjustments/endeavors. It feels good. Congrats!

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Expensive-Day-3551@reddit

I’m avoiding interaction from people that disrupt my peace. Im also trying to learn to play the ukulele

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cozycorner@reddit

Gardening. Micro dosing THC. Trips with my family.

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violetstrainj@reddit

I finally feel like a proper adult. I have ADHD, so this is a huge triumph for me. I have a clean house, a skincare routine, I’m exercising and paying attention to my diet. I’m not late for shit anymore. It’s a friggin miracle!

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cozycorner@reddit

How? Send help!

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bakedveldtland@reddit

Lmao same

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iamthe0ther0ne@reddit

For the past q0 years, every night I go to be I hope I won't wake up.

Occasionally, across lolongn stretches of misery and existential horro, somethink teem to off hhhĥĥhhh, something comeu

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hungrypotato0853@reddit

Getting fat.

I was a fairly consistent 170lbs w/32" waist (pants) for my entire adult life. Always bought M shirts.

Then I turned 45.

BOOM!

Now 210lbs, 34" waist, size L shirts. My dad-gut is grotesque.

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How_to_Phish@reddit

I'm turning 46 this summer and have been in my first real band for the last four years after wanting my whole life to perform music. We're all Dad's with day jobs, but have played maybe 20-25 shows over the last four years and have a small following of friends and family, a tiny bit of merch, a few regular shows each year and its been just the absolute best!

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MediumLanguageModel@reddit

That's awesome. I keep dreaming of learning guitar but haven't dedicated myself to it. But who knows, if I could practice and get up on a stage for just one open mic night that would be a dream come true.

Good on you!

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tfaboo@reddit

Getting a second masters degree. Because why not??! I'm made of money.

Not.

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MediumLanguageModel@reddit

I cut back on drinking—not completely, but dramatically. And I've gotten back into running. Buying clothes that fit me. I feel sexier than I've felt since my twenties!

Other than that, finding new music, vibe coding, doing whatever to keep the mind young.

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edasto42@reddit

First off, thank you for this post. I hate nostalgia for that rose colored glasses/gloss over the bad shit that happened impression it has.

But anyway, in my 40’s I took my hobbyist musician life and scaled it up to a pro level. I decided to sit down, really look at what I’ve got and where I can go, along with crazy connections I’ve made, and told myself to do something with it. So I got enrolled in lessons (by a Grammy and soul train award winner), opened myself up to playing all sorts of music, and ran with it. Now I’m getting paid to play, getting paid to tour, and seeing all sorts of stuff that I never thought I would. It’s never too late I guess.

I’ve also started to become serviceable on non standard pop/rock instruments. Not an expert by any means, but can play at least basics if not more. My crowning achievement of this was adding mandolin to a goth record.

And one of my recent passions has been building community. About 5 years ago I moved across the country and started new. Thanks to my involvement in the music world it was easy to establish a friend circle, but I wanted to expand that. So I kept going and bringing people into our fold. Now it’s just an amazing experience to have this many people in my life that will show up. Recently I had eye surgery and was pretty incapacitated during the first week of recovery. The amount of people that called, texted, came by to help, and were just there has been heartwarming. And I know I’d do the same for any of them. This is the family I always wanted growing up.

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oldsmoBuick67@reddit

That’s awesome, im scaling up too just not to a pro level. I’ve been in music since elementary school, but started a band this year for the first time ever on the last instrument I learned. I’m comfortable just playing open chords and singing while my lead guitar player does all the fun adventurous stuff. Everyone in the band is a multi-instrumentalist, so it’s about having fun and getting comfortable with our new “toys”. We have our first paid gig next weekend and have made so many more friends along the way.

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edasto42@reddit

Very nice!

So just a word of advice to separate you from others that will give you a leg up in live shows. Rehearse your shows in its entirety. That means everything from any kind of stance entrance, where any breaks are going to be, where banter will be and an idea of what will be said, and any type of stage moves (not necessarily meaning learning the choreography from Rhythm Nation or anything but it behooves you to not be statues). Also take time with your setlist to make sure it flows. If you can figure out segues between songs to merge them together, that is always nice. But don’t get caught in the trap of leaving out the audience perspective. They paid money and the only non renewable resource we have, their time, to see you, so entertain them. Learning that early on has always made things move a lot easier

[-]

LolaBleu@reddit

Career change. I decided to become an RN, and because I'm a very particular type of adrenaline junkie, I opted to be a surgical nurse at a level 1 trauma center. I love my job though. I find it challenging and fulfilling in equal measure.

On a smaller scale, transitioning to a plant-based diet. My partner and I have been slowly moving in that direction for years, and it's ridiculous how much better we feel.

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MundaneHuckleberry58@reddit

Teaching myself embroidery.

Teaching myself a new musical instrument.

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imnottheoneipromise@reddit

Building a new house out in the real country where it was still just trees. No utility services except power. There is SO much to building a new house that there’s no way you can know or prepare for until it comes up when your trying to move forward with what you think the next step is and that person says “well you need this first.” The. When you go to get that, it’s “well yeah but you need this first.” Over and over again. But man it’s gonna be worth it. I’m so ready to not be around people and traffic and loud noises. When I’m on my property I can hear the breeze in the trees and it resets me. I love it

[-]

Bacch@reddit

If resuming an old hobby counts, I hadn't done theater since 1999 until this last month when I was in a community theater production. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it.

Beyond that, Magic the Gathering, D&D, and painting minis.

[-]

arrantknavery@reddit

Started running in a serious way last year as I was struggling out of long COVID. Now I’m training for my first marathon and having a whale of a time. I’m 47, no kids, too war-weary to date and I love eating infinite carbs. Always thought I sucked at sports. Turns out I was just scarred by shitty physical education. (Thanks, Presidential Fitness Program!)

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ViciousSnatch@reddit

Skin care and weed. I’m Cali sober and I can’t tell you how nice it is to just go to a store to buy weed like I could booze. I don’t have to go through the song and dance of what we all used to do back in the day and I couldn’t be happier about it. Skin care because I’m not getting any younger and it makes me feel good. I was always decent about wearing sunscreen and staying out of the sun in general, but doing a skin care routine has improved my mental health along with my skin. I put on a podcast or video while I smoke and rub in my potions and lotions. It makes me feel like I’m pampering myself and taking care of myself (something I’ve mostly neglected doing) so it does a double duty for me.

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distant_diva@reddit

enjoying having adult kids (youngest of 4 just turned 18 woohoo 🎉) & more time as a couple. we have more time & freedom to do fun stuff like concerts, travel, hobbies, eating out, etc. spending more time with friends as well. i’m late 40s but this decade has been the best yet.

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CarlSpackler22@reddit

Doing the bare minimum at work and nothing more.

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Appropriate-Neck-585@reddit

So, were you super ambitious before?

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CarlSpackler22@reddit

Briefly. Realized it didn't matter in the long run.

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FionaGoodeEnough@reddit

I started playing guitar! I love it.

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rinky79@reddit

I pick up a new craft hobby like every 6 months. And I don't drop the old ones (usually).

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imtheyeti20@reddit

Stretching

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Designer-Bid-3155@reddit

My life is 🔥. I'm completing another certification. I've got over 7 degrees and certificates. I'm planning a trip through the USA in a tiny house to do some rescue work. I host weekly queer events in my city.

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AsparagusOverall8454@reddit

Getting clean and sober for the first time in probably 20 years or so. Almost at 30 days.

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os_beef@reddit (OP)

Hang in there, you're doing great. It does get easier over time, and the benefits to staying sober are monumental. It can open so many more doors than you would imagine. For me, it was booze. Quit in 2019. It took awhile for my nerves to calm down, and for me to build new routines. It was life-changing, and a positive experience. Keep at it, there's a lot in store for you.

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AsparagusOverall8454@reddit

Surprisingly it hasn’t been that hard. I get the odd craving but then I just throw an na beer at it and it goes away. Or I eat some food.

Thoroughly enjoying not waking up hungover twice a week and being nonfunctional half the time. Wish I’d done it sooner!

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flowerodell@reddit

Every year my garden gets bigger and better. Also going to be trying watercolors this summer.

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Due_Attention_4886@reddit

I started giving myself a very short buzz-cut so I look kind of artsy/aggressive. I started learning to sew and after a few months I got good enough that I successfully made a trouser toile from a pattern I made myself. I still need to learn more so I'm comfortable sewing my own clothes. I recently bought a nice old 1999 Mercedes C280 from California that's in great shape and enjoyable to drive. I've been buying cassettes for the car's cassette player.

Hipster shit, really.

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59apache01@reddit

To be honest, I feel like I've kind of stagnated the last few years. Or maybe it's final acceptance of who I am and my lot in life. Hard to say really.

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shagbark_dryad@reddit

Similar hat. I tried teaching right before the pandemic but that didn't work. Try something else...we're not ready to grow moss yet

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Mudcreek47@reddit

Tried to get into Golf, I like it and enjoy hanging out with the other neighborhood dad‘s. Too bad that I royally suck even four or five years after starting. It is a hard game! Also the last couple years we have tried to get into Pickleball. But I am equally as bad at that! Lol.

We have been traveling the last four or five years, taking the kids with us to all of the national parks we can try and fit in. Also doing city vacations to places like Toronto and New York City and Niagara Falls in Chicago.

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Appropriate-Neck-585@reddit

Keep golfing! It will always be hard, but that's the point. One can roll a perfect game in bowling, but not in golf.

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HicJacetMelilla@reddit

I started ballet at 40. My balance and proprioception in general are leagues better. There are no goals, I’m not training for anything, just moving my body precisely and giving my brain something new to do. I wish I would have started at 20 when my gymnastics era was wrapping up, but 40 will do.

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Appropriate-Neck-585@reddit

Me looking up the definition of "proprioception."

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MrTigerEyes@reddit

I'm still working on raising kids so much of my current activity surrounds that. One thing I've tried to do is to travel with them. They've been to at least five other countries so far, and many parts of the US. I've walked them through all sorts of museums and explained the things on display in as interesting of a manner as I can. They've learned skills that will hopefully either come in handy or be something interesting about them because they've developed an interest. They've experienced a wide variety of things that I hope will give them things to look back on in their lives to draw inspiration from and have confidence in doing new things but my goal in a way has been to give them a more interesting early life than what I had growing up.

With that in mind, I've been focusing more over the past year on exercise and eating better. It's cliche, but I think it's an important thing to have good health in order to not be prematurely aged and being unable to have a good life once I become an empty nester. I've been getting more into a few hobbies along with my kids including playing music with them, shooting, hiking, biking, cooking, playing with technology, and I'm probably going to buy another 4WD vehicle that I haven't had for a while and take them off road.

Once my kids are grown I hope to travel more often and get better at making music. I'll probably buy another sports car since I don't have one now but we'll see. It's not necessary but it would be a bonus if I could publish a book and release an album even if I do those fully on my own and don't get anyone to buy them but maybe my mom.

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Appropriate-Neck-585@reddit

Listening closely to this thread. I'm worn out and tired of everything in my life. I need to start from scratch.

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MMAHipster@reddit

Started woodworking in my mid 30s and then started a business making custom furniture at 40. Now I’m going back to school for classical languages while balancing the business. Plan to do some blacksmithing in the next three months. Great exercise and keeps the brain exercised too.

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bejean@reddit

I started lifting weights at 33, learned to ski at 40.

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sleigh_all_day@reddit

Ceramics 🏺

Burlesque 💃🏻

Rollerskating 🛼

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roadkillmenagerie@reddit

Things I’ve started since 40: playing golf, finally got tattooed between my wrists and elbows (fully sleeved), and putting more emphasis on my mental health than my ‘career’

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derfzinkerbelle@reddit

Wegovy, not drinking soda or eating sweets anymore thanks to it. Down like 3 belt holes though so its working its magic. It does require you to eat healthier and lots more fiber than I'm used to.

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Aggravating-Tax-2121@reddit

I was always flabby and decided to see if I could get jacked at my age. Weirdly, my nerdy work-related Excel skills have been the biggest help. Other than, you know, the "diet and exercise" bit.

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Scruff_9@reddit

I started playing guitar about 6 months ago, I love it!

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ShowMeYourHappyTrail@reddit

Hubby and I are season ticket holders for our local traveling Broadway shows. We both love musicals and we finally bit the bullet a few years ago and signed up for a season and loved it so much we've continued it. It's like a nice little date day every month during the seasons.

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HuckleberryLogical63@reddit

Wife and I need to do that. I was a huge theatre geek in high school, and my early 20's and we've only gone to a handful of shows over the last 20 years. Would help keep me informed about what's coming up, seems like every time I check upcoming shows I'm disappointed that I missed whatever it was that just ended lol. Most recently was Mary Poppins.

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ShowMeYourHappyTrail@reddit

That happened with me and the Summer Stock shows that came through a couple of years ago. My boss sent me a post of them advertising on a group on Facebook that they were doing Lizzie: The Lizzie Borden Musical and she knew that I both loved the soundtrack and morbid stuff so she told me about it. Bought tickets immediately but the show they'd done right before was The Wedding Singer and I've been waiting for forever for someone local to do it so I could go see it! I was so disappointed! So now I pay attention to Summer Stock as well as one of our local theater's productions after catching a really good Sweeney Todd there a few years ago.

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snootchiebootchie94@reddit

I am more into stereos and sound at home now, because I can finally afford it. I have a really nice Home Theater with sound that rivals the movie theater, and honestly is tuned much better. It is also setup to be able to play via 2 channel Stereo where I can play records, CD's, cassettes, or stream via Spotify. I have a nice stereo in my bedroom as well.

I also help my wife in her garden. The backyard is setup how she wants it, but I enjoy sitting out there as well. I will dig holes, move dirt and fill pots, lay down bricks or whatever she needs. It is such a peaceful space. When it isn't too hot out we sit outside and talk, have a snack, a drink, smoke weed, make out, whatever. Just be together.

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dankfor20@reddit

Listening to Jazz. So much great music to discover.

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MapMan992@reddit

Enjoying being a first time dad to my lovely little 4 month old. If you see me at work resting my eyes, no you didn’t

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SirG33k@reddit

I learned to snowboard in my very late 30's, and then mountain biking in my late 40's.

Trying to stay active.. else I'll just sit and play video games with my kids all day lol.

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Cyrussphere@reddit

Wife and I bought motorcycles last year, got our licenses, and have been cruising the mountains on any beautiful day ever since. It has been a bucket list item for both of us for years.

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pi_guy@reddit

I am building more legos and working on puzzles more often. Not much skill required and still get a feeling of accomplishment when they are done!

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austinmiles@reddit

Oh man. I started running. I have my second half marathon this weekend.

Last year I took a year long management program through HBS.

Learned how to play bocce for a tournament my friend hosts.

Right now trying to improve my storytelling and illustrating to host a DnD campaign a maybe find my way into a backup career.

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RobotBearArms@reddit

I bought a OneWheel a few months ago... Only hurt myself a little bit so far 🤣

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Geoff-Vader@reddit

Listening to new music and going to lots of concerts.

I realized during the pandemic my musical tastes hadn't changed since I had kids. Mostly 90s stuff and a veritable sausagefest. Started exploring newer music and more female-fronted artists. Few things can give you a youthful-like sense of joy as finding a new artist you enjoy.

And as I age I value life experiences more. And nothing IMO gives a better bang for your buck in that area than concerts (granted I go to mostly smaller/midiszed venue shows.) You get the enjoyment of the pre-concert listening/anticipation, the fun of the concert itself and then the post-show listening, memories/clips. I can sometimes get as much joy out of a good $50 show as I can out of $500 weekend getaway.

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pi_guy@reddit

Live music is the best! We just got a new outdoor amphitheater in the area that is bring in a bunch of touring acts this spring/summer that usually skip over this region.

The only downside to the smaller shows are that the standing room only venues really make me feel my age...lol

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figment1979@reddit

This year I've finally started a side hustle that I've wanted to for many, many years but just always chickened out. In fact I saw my first clients for it this week. If I get enough clients and love it enough, I'm kinda hoping it becomes my new full time job instead of "working for the man".

If it doesn't pan out, at least I tried.

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silentlyshe@reddit

Simple things, taking care of my body with nutrient-dense foods and strengthening exercise as well as daily walks to unplug and connect. As a parent, I have very little time to sit down and read, so I finally decided to try audiobooks and it's been amazing! I listen on my headphones while doing chores (dishes, laundry, sweeping/mopping, etc) and have been getting through some classics I've always wanted to read. Adding in some current books, too. Learning more about gardening, plants, sustainability. Prepping myself for grandma years!

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feartheswans@reddit

I changed jobs last fall and I can finally afford to go to the gym and the fair. Looking forward to the random summer events this year too

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ArtsyRabb1t@reddit

Taught myself crochet. Been making cute animals to cover my house with.

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SanderFCohen@reddit

I'm in my mid-late forties. For a few years now I've been teaching myself to be a craftsman (currently as a hobby, with a few sales here and there). I'm now settled on leatherwork and I love the patience it has given me. It's so far removed from my day job and I just love it.

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Working5daysaWeek@reddit

Very active in the world of dog sports. Not only do we participate, but I'm now active in dog clubs, write articles, give advice, and recruit people into the sports. It's a lot of fun (although expensive!) and we've gotten to meet some really great people. Plus, I'm a serial cheater, so I get all kinds of snuggles.

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squirrelfriend3@reddit

Please tell me you love the movie Best in Show!

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Working5daysaWeek@reddit

Haha yeah. Especially bc there is a big divide between sports ppl and conformation ppl. You have some show ppl who will allow their dogs to do sports, but most do not. Sports ppl think the conformation ppl are a bit nuts.

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burgundyblue@reddit

Spent my whole life fighting everyone and everything. One day, about 10 years ago, I just shrugged and decided it wasn’t worth it anymore.

I’ve also done some long overdue therapy. Got diagnosed with AuDHD and GAD. So may things in my life finally made sense. It’s really improved my daily life.

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os_beef@reddit (OP)

Love it. I also recently got an ADHD diagnosis. It explains a lot, and I wish it had happened 20 years earlier. Medication helps a lot. Still a struggle, but it's better then it was. Good luck out there.

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eddiegordo83@reddit

I started training to run a 5K last July. I just ran my 3rd last weekend. My joints hate me, but I love it anyway.

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os_beef@reddit (OP)

Hey same! Kinda. I ran my first 5k last year, then kept running and stopped when the heat started. Now I'm fat again and need to lose weight before my joints will take running. Keep at it.

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QuietNene@reddit

I learned to ski. Started at 40. Had never been on a pair of skis before. Now I’m pretty good. It’s fun.

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Texas_Kimchi@reddit

Learning Russian right now for my wife, mother in law, and sister in law. Im too old for it I think I'm struggling so much. Luckily my wife speaks decent English by my inlaws don't speak a lick of it.

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os_beef@reddit (OP)

I get it. I'm learning Spanish, which is worlds easier for an English speaker than Russian. My mouth still doesn't want to make the sounds, but I'm getting better at it. Keep at it, you're doing a good thing. At some point you're going to hit a stage where it suddenly gets easier and more natural.

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slayingadah@reddit

I'm focusing on learning to forage and leaning into gardening (I've been doing that for decades). I'm learning to ferment to preserve food and get myself drunk for free. I'm becoming the forest witch I've always knew I was deep down.

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ScotterMcJohnsonator@reddit

Having an identity crisis! It's a hoot, let me tell you

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NurseCait@reddit

Not worrying so much about finances or caring as much about my weight, and finally finishing my degrees. I finally finished my Bachelors when I was 40 and looking at finishing my doctorate in two years. Also, I’m the squishiest I’ve ever been and don’t give two shits. So long as I’m healthy, I don’t need to be thin anymore. My spouse finds me sexy still.

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SoBeDragon0@reddit

I’m no longer pretending to like things that I don’t like because people around me like them. Things like…camping, going to the beach, salad…these things have never been for me but I used to do them just because i didn’t want to be the odd one out. No longer. No, I don’t any salad, thanks.

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OG_Cryptkeeper@reddit

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GitPushItRealGood@reddit

A favorite! My daughter was 2 at the time and would say to me “daddy he makes music with the big knife”.

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OG_Cryptkeeper@reddit

That’s accurate. But instead of music for the ears, it’s for the mouth.

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GitPushItRealGood@reddit

I think they used a theramin!

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SpiralOutski@reddit

Banging melons. Got it. Same.

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OG_Cryptkeeper@reddit

Well, that too… but I mean really getting good at cooking.

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Inglorious186@reddit

I had to good one a year for a big work event and I've recently gotten to the point where I enjoyed it enough to where I now play regularly

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ScaryTransbian84@reddit

I mean, being my authentic self has been a huge blessing the last few years. Not giving ANY cares to what people think and putting my happiness first. Actually going out and meeting new people as ME is scary but absolutely rewarding to be seen and accepted.

When people tell you to “just be yourself” and things will be better? It’s 100% true. Not always easy, but true.

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HuckleberryLogical63@reddit

The wife and I have taken up swing and bowling so we get out of the house more. We've always enjoyed bowling, but now we're trying to get good at it lol, bought our own balls, shoes, bags etc, and are getting summer passes so we can go whenever we want, even if we're broke. Might even join a league at some point.

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Rdubya291@reddit

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ahoypolloi_@reddit

Dios mio, man

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How_to_Phish@reddit

Let's hear more about the swinging! 😅

I think you mean dancing, haha.

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HuckleberryLogical63@reddit

Lol, yeah, definitely mean swing dancing. We're hoping we can get half way decent for our 20th anniversary party.

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KingdomOfFawg@reddit

Both.

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External-Flight-4680@reddit

I had a moment where I was thinking, "You drop that and then the rest of your comment is about the bowling?"

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Munchkin531@reddit

I rediscovered reading 4 years ago. I loved R.L. Stein, Christopher Pike, Boxcar Children and the Babysitter's Club when I was younger. Then I got burnt out reading for school plus I was busy having fun then raising kids.

Then I found pretty books 📚 😍 I started reading 30-40 books a year and now I'm reading 100 or more. It's much more fun to disassociate from reality and hide in my fantasy books than face the real world. Oh and my husband is definitely reaping all the benefits.

My husband bought a 1967 Mustang 3 years ago. It's so cool and fun to ride in. He's been making tons of adjustments fixing her up. He's on his way to pick up the transmission he had repaired. Goodbye $1800 💸

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drtyhppi@reddit

Exercising, cooking and gardening.

Back in 2019 I stepped on the scale and didn't like what I saw. My wife had started working a year prior and I could see a difference, so I decided to join her. Seven years later and still going strong. It's a struggle, I still deal with Dad bod and contrary to what everyone tells you, my body still fucking hurts sometimes because I'm an old man. But I'm in the best shape I've ever been.

Back in 2020, I was hanging out in a discord server and we had a good channel (don't they all lol). Anyway, I'd always said I didn't know how to cook, so this random internet stranger that was probably half my age told me to look up Sam the Cooking Guy and give it a try. I did and my first meal was spaghetti and meatballs (which I still make to this day). Once I followed a recipe I realized this wasn't rocket surgery and started exploring other recipes. Next thing I know I can cook meals. Turns out this isn't that complicated. I mean, it can be, but it doesn't have to be. I wish college me had been taught this. I probably sounded like a moron to everyone when I said I didn't know how to cook. Fast forward to last summer and I could tell my wife was over cooking. She'd been cooking our family meals for 20+ years with no help. So I planned two weeks worth of dinners and gave her a two week vacation from cooking (she couldn't go too far because I'm Beaker in the kitchen). It took me one time cooking a Sunday dinner on a Thursday night to realize how much of an asshole I was. Ever since I've been helping to plan dinners and cook. How my wife didn't snap and stab me in my sleep before this is beyond me.

Four years ago I read the book "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" and I think it caused a midlife crisis. I rented a skid steer and dug up the backyard to install a massive garden. I'd always dabbled, but something snapped and I just dove in head first. Four years later and I'm not slowing down. It's the best therapy anyone could ask for, it keeps me from staring at my phone and it's great exercise. It's also one of the best ROIs out there because I can just collect seeds and plant more plants for free or I can propagate perennials and do the same thing. All my money goes to gardening. I'm nowhere near a master gardener, but I've gotten pretty good. I'm still learning, still failing and still figuring out how to be more efficient. One of the best things I've ever done for myself.

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sageamericanidiot@reddit

I spent my 40s repairing the damage I did to myself in my 20s. Now I'm mid 40s and just trying to enjoy life. I'm comfortable in my skin, everyday I do something to improve my physical and mental health. I'm doing the little things that I never had time for like learning to play electric guitar, picked up a new skateboard and teaching my kid, my husband and I built custom bmx bikes and make a point of taking weekly rides together.

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Mackheath1@reddit

Heavily leaning into volunteering.

Pick something you care about (pet shelters? homelessness?). I do food security - food banks, LasagnaLove, and so on. I get so much out of it.

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dreadpiratemyk@reddit

I can finally afford all the hats and sneakers I wanted as a kid. Take that, parents.

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Impressive-Record839@reddit

Eating overnight oats. I seriously am on the verge of tears all day when I have to eat my backup cheerios I don't know what they put in them. And more exercise

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derps-a-lot@reddit

Being a good dad and sharing the things I love to experience with my kids - good food, travel, live music, working on cars, gardening, that kind of thing. I'm also a lot more outdoorsy than I was sitting around playing video games in my youth.

Generally just being happier with the day to day and not constantly seeking something next.

And doing drugs as therapy rather than purely recreational.

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jackatman@reddit

New things? In this economy? I'm going back to comfort hobbies I already have the gear for.

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badteach248@reddit

I just finished and submitted my master's thesis, and during the summer Im going to create curriculum for a group of private schools that will pay me for that.

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vinegarnglitter@reddit

I’m finally learning to sew (with lessons!) and I got a garden plot in the local community garden. (I’m in a condo). I love this new phase! Things I always wanted to do, but was too busy with work. I’ve scaled back and settled into a great role so now I have time!

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KingdomOfFawg@reddit

I am strongly considering buying a Ford 8N tractor. Do a little side work and drive it in parades.

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toodledootootootoo@reddit

Flossing and using a waterpik daily, doing a nightly skin care routine and playing electric guitar! I wanna add running to this list

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omelatk@reddit

Crocheting! Everything ive made so far is crooked but whatevs

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Ohfuscia@reddit

Trying to learn bike mechanics. After a year I'm still bad at it but that's how you learn

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HuckleberryKnown9288@reddit

Started working out regularly, mostly calisthenics and dumbbells. Starting walking more, just had a new doggie, so that kind of helps. Rediscovered a huge natural park near where I live. Started a bit late with kids in life, so I have a 7 year old inspiring me to do better. Never felt better to be honest. I did cut on computer gaming, so that sucks, but the kid seems to love gaming as well, so I am considering this a break :)

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