You know, for most of my life I didn’t know I was creative. I went through school and worked hard on exams. My interests were curated over time, and it was only when I reached college that I began to understand my desire to explore the world around me.
Things I really enjoyed as a kid:
- Tennis
- Origami
- Legos and K’Nex
- Food
- Video games (mostly Nintendo)
- Science museums
Our brain is constantly adapting to our lives. There’s a phenomenon called neuroplasticity, where the connections in our brain strengthen or weaken depending on our experiences. Hopefully you’re starting to see this. So when you say, “I’m too old to learn soccer,” remember: sure, it might take you longer than it would take a kid—but so what?
Hobbies aren’t meant to be goal-oriented; they’re simply activities we enjoy in our free time. Take an example: I’ve recently been brewing pour-over coffee. I’m not sure how much you know about the coffee world, but for enthusiasts there’s an entire science behind it. When I pick up something new, I start by doing what I enjoy and let my curiosity flow naturally. At first I made brews by following tutorials without understanding the science. After deciding I wanted to improve, I started reading books and blogs and watching more YouTube videos to learn advanced techniques.
Let’s jump back to my childhood. I firmly believe curiosity is cultivated. Everyone is curious, but do their surroundings allow them to express that curiosity? I’m most grateful to my parents for giving me space to explore. From after-school activities to crafts and arts, I slowly developed interests I genuinely enjoyed. Our house was—and still is—filled with toys and fun little gadgets. I think that space has continued to inspire me day-to-day and has shaped my later work.
One final point: I’ve spent a lot of time talking to elderly people over the years. After hearing their stories and understanding how they live, two factors seem to greatly affect longevity: happiness and critical thinking. Keeping your brain mentally fit helps prevent issues like dementia, and happiness contributes to overall well-being and a strong immune system.