Finding What You Enjoy

What it is

Trying hobbies, play, and new things to learn what you like.

Why it helps you

Joy is not a reward you have to earn. Finding what lights you up is how you build a self worth living with.

Good to have first

Knowing Who You Are.

This opens up

A richer life and new friends.

Where to get help

You are allowed to try things just for fun. You are allowed to quit things you don’t like. Trying and quitting is how everyone finds out what they enjoy.

Start at your library

Library Finder A free tool from the U.S. Department of Labor that shows the public libraries closest to you. Libraries are free to walk into, and you can stay as long as they are open.

Cost: Free
Who can use it: Anyone
How to start: Type in your city or ZIP code. Pick the closest library and go in. At the front desk, you can say: “I’d like to get a library card. What do I need?”
Good to know: A library card usually asks for an ID and proof of address. If you don’t have them, ask anyway. Many libraries have other options, like a card that uses a shelter’s address. Many libraries also lend more than books. Ask if they have a “Library of Things” (things like ukuleles, cake pans, games, or sewing machines) or free museum passes. Not every library has these.

Creativebug Video classes in drawing, painting, sewing, knitting, baking, and more. More than 1,200 libraries pay for it so their card holders can use it for free.

Cost: Free through a library that has it
Who can use it: Anyone with a card from a library that offers it
How to start: On your library’s website, look for “Digital Resources” or “eResources” and find Creativebug. Or use “Find a Library Near You” on the Creativebug page.
Good to know: Needs internet and a library card. The main Creativebug site offers a paid trial. You don’t need it. Go through your library instead.

Learn something new for free

OpenLearn free courses Free short online courses from The Open University, a public university in the UK. Beginner choices include “Start writing fiction” and “Introduction to music theory.”

Cost: Free
Who can use it: Anyone with internet
How to start: Open the link and pick a course marked “Introductory.” You can read without signing up.
Good to know: A free account is optional. It lets you save your progress.

Grow things

Find your Cooperative Extension office Every state has a Cooperative Extension Service, run by a public university. It gives free, local advice on growing vegetables and flowers, and on canning and food.

Cost: Free advice. Some services, like soil tests, may cost a small fee.
Who can use it: Anyone
How to start: Pick your state from the list. Find your county office. Call or email and say: “I’m a total beginner and want to grow a few plants. Can you help?”
Good to know: Many offices also hold free or low-cost classes.

Extension Master Gardener programs A training program where you learn a lot about gardening. In return, you volunteer to help others in your community. It’s a way to learn and make friends at the same time.

Cost: Varies by state. Many programs charge a training fee.
Who can use it: Usually adults. Each state sets its own rules.
How to start: Find your state on the list and contact the program. Ask when the next class starts, what it costs, and whether there is help with the fee.
Good to know: You will be asked to volunteer hours after training. Some programs ask for a background check.

Go see beautiful things

Museums for All If you get SNAP (food stamps), more than 1,600 museums give you free or cheap entry. Some are art museums, science centers, zoos, or gardens.

Cost: Free or reduced admission
Who can use it: People who get SNAP food benefits
How to start: Use the map on the page to find a museum near you. At the ticket desk, show your EBT card and a photo ID.
Good to know: Each museum sets its own price and how many people can come with you. Check the museum’s website or call first.

If you only do one thing first

Go to your nearest public library this week. You don’t have to check anything out. Walk around. Look at the shelves. Notice what makes you curious. That small feeling of “oh, that looks interesting” is the start of knowing what you enjoy.

Watch out for

Friendly groups that want you to sell. Some “craft groups” or “wellness communities” are really businesses that make you buy a starter kit and recruit friends. These are called multi-level marketing, or MLMs. If a group asks you to pay to join or to recruit others, walk away. The FTC explains the warning signs.
“Free trials” that ask for a card. Many hobby and class websites say “free” but ask for your card number. They charge you every month if you forget to cancel. Use free library versions instead.
Pressure to sign today. A studio or gym that says a deal ends today, or pushes a long contract on your first visit, is not a safe choice. Good places let you take the paper home and think.
Feeling like you have to be good at it. You don’t. Hobbies are for fun, not for being the best. You can be a beginner for as long as you like.