I used to think hobbies were for losers. Then I built my life around one.

Courtesy of Catherine LeClair

There's something offensive about the word "hobby." It evokes images of building model train towns in a basement, poorly crocheting a potholder, or, even worse, playing pickleball. Hobbies are for people who instead of pursuing a rewarding career settled for tinkering, toying, and toddling. Or so I thought until I realized that getting a hobby is probably the best thing you could ever do for your one sweet life — especially if you let it take over your life.