‘There’s nothing better’: In her 30s, Emily reignited her teenage passion

In the constant juggle of our busy lives, a hobby might be one on the first things to drop off the “non-essential” list. But these types of activities often have great benefits.

According to a 2023 study published in Nature Medicine, individuals aged 65 or older who engaged in hobbies reported better health, greater happiness, fewer symptoms of depression and higher life satisfaction compared to those without hobbies. The researchers highlighted how participating in hobby groups helps maintain social connections, reducing loneliness and isolation.

Engaging in hobbies that were discouraged or dismissed in childhood can also be incredibly liberating for adults. “This freedom to pursue previously forbidden interests enables you to authentically express yourself and, ultimately, take control of your life,” says clinical psychologist Clare Calderwood.

Getting back to our childhood interests sometimes requires us to shed our fear of failing.Credit: iStock

Moreover, nurturing one’s “inner child” by embracing playfulness and joy is also crucial in building self-identity, confidence and a sense of agency. “As we grow older, we may lose touch with the carefree joy of childhood,” says Calderwood. “But engaging in activities that spark playfulness can be essential for emotional, mental and even spiritual health.”

Here, three women share their personal stories of how revisiting an activity from their youth has brought happiness and rejuvenated them.

‘There’s truly nothing better for my mental health’: Emily Harridge, 49

“I developed a passion for rowing during my school days. I loved the sport, which I pursued until I was 17. But because I’m not very tall, I assumed I wouldn’t be able to compete against bigger and stronger athletes, so I decided to quit. What I didn’t realise was that there were lightweight categories for female rowers which would’ve allowed me to continue competing. This lack of awareness led me to prematurely give up a sport I loved.

After giving birth to three children, I wanted to stay fit, so my personal trainer suggested I join his indoor rowing competition. To my surprise, I consistently topped the leaderboard and eventually won. This sparked my renewed interest in rowing, leading me to return to the sport in 2013. Acquainting myself with new rowing techniques took time and effort but proved incredibly rewarding. I’m currently at the peak of both my muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance.

I never expected to form deep friendships with my crew, but through our shared experiences of intense training, celebrating victories and persevering through defeats we’ve built unshakeable bonds. Over the past 11 years, these connections have blossomed into lifelong friendships, extending beyond sport to social gatherings.

Emily Harridge found peace in rowing, including the early starts.

In recent years, I’ve had a few career changes and rowing has been a source of motivation. There’s truly nothing better for my mental health than rowing first thing in the morning, watching the sunrise. And when I’m rowing, my focus is razor-sharp; I’m thinking not just about the perfect stroke, but about timing it perfectly with the person in front of me, ensuring the boat flows in balance and harmony. This unity of effort completely absorbs me, freeing me from everyday distractions. It’s taught me to release what isn’t working while embracing new challenges with a renewed sense of purpose.

My three teenage children have also taken up rowing as part of their school program, which has sparked some fascinating conversations around the dinner table. It’s wonderful to see them embrace the sport and develop their own passion for it. I like to think my own dedication to rowing has inspired them in some way, and whether they continue with it or not, I’m proud of their commitment and growth.”

‘It’s been a truly enriching experience’: Dr Asti Mardiasmo, 40

“Growing up, I was fascinated by Japanese ballet-based manga novels, so when I turned six, I decided to take ballet lessons. However, after a few classes, I was told by one of my instructors that I didn’t have the ideal physique for ballet due to being a taller, curvier Indonesian girl. I consequently shifted to traditional Balinese dance, where I excelled due to its emphasis on rhythm rather than body shape.

When my daughter, Ariella, turned 18 months old, I enrolled her in a children’s ballet class because she showed interest in dance. I was also curious to see if she would love ballet as much as I did.

Dr Asti Mardiasmo got back into ballet, despite being discouraged from pursuing it in her youth.Credit: Kiki Yang

Last year, when I found out that her dance school offered adult ballet classes, I jumped at the chance. I entered my first class feeling anxious and unsure if I could keep up with the physical demands of strength, flexibility and endurance. Luckily, my instructor was understanding and let me go at my own pace.

I left that class feeling exhausted and sore and when I told my daughter, she simply nodded and said, ‘That’s just what ballet is like.’ Her nonchalant response reminded me that the challenges I faced are a normal part of the learning process.

I was devastated that a broken ankle prevented me from joining my daughter in the school’s year-end dance performance. But, during rehearsals, she’d had mixed feelings about me participating. On one hand, she was slightly embarrassed that I might make a fool of myself; on the other, she was thrilled to have me up on stage with her.

Whenever I practised my solo or group routine, she would proudly exclaim to others, ‘That’s my mum!’ However, when we danced together, she’d caution me not to make mistakes and embarrass her. Despite her occasional teasing, I think she’s secretly proud of me.

Taking adult ballet classes has had a profound impact in my muscle tone and posture, and I’m now more mindful of my stance and body language. This has boosted my confidence, especially when delivering keynote speeches on stage. An added bonus has been the joy of revisiting a favourite part of my childhood – wearing ballet shoes.

The community of fellow mums I’ve connected with has also been a godsend. We uplift each other, share laughs and offer constructive feedback. It’s been a truly enriching experience.”

‘I was proud of myself for simply giving it a go’: Natalie Calderwood, 39

Natalie Calderwood found her way back to soccer after the birth of her last baby.

“Growing up, soccer was seen as a boys’ sport and there were no visible female players in my community, so I played netball instead. Then, at 38, when my youngest turned one, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself.

In 2023, I stumbled upon a local Facebook group seeking female soccer players for Burwood FC [in Sydney]. The prospect of trying something I’d never had the chance to explore during my youth really excited me, plus I was fan-girling over the Matildas at the time, so it really resonated with me.

Despite the excitement, every time I thought about signing up I worried about embarrassing myself and felt anxious about my lack of skills. However, I made the decision not to let those insecurities hold me back and was invited to a practice session the following Wednesday. But when heavy rain led to a change of plans, instead of practising I was asked to join the team for a match that weekend.

The night before, I had a crash course on the rules, mainly trying to grasp the concept of ‘offside’, which only added to my confusion and nervousness. I almost backed out – my self-doubt was at an all-time high, convincing me I wasn’t up to the task.

At the match, I was pleasantly surprised to find I wasn’t the only beginner. The women on the team were incredibly supportive and non-competitive, which immediately put me at ease. I didn’t perform perfectly but I was proud of myself for simply giving it a go. From that moment, I was hooked. I began attending weekly practice and I continued to play games and tournaments at weekends.

People, including myself, often think it’s too late to start something new, especially when you’re a busy mother in your late 30s. But I’ve realised there’s no ‘wrong’ time to begin a new journey. By silencing my doubts and pushing my limits, I gained the confidence to become my own boss.

All I needed was a gentle push to reconnect with my inner strength and take on a new challenge. This experience gave me that courage. My takeaway is that pushing past difficulties and accomplishing tough tasks is absolutely within reach.”

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