The Power of Hobbies: Finding Joy, Connection, and a Little Magic
Life as a lawyer or legal professional can feel like a whirlwind - deadlines, client demands, and never-ending to-do lists. It’s so easy to push our own passions to the back burner. But here’s the thing: making time for hobbies, especially creative ones, can change everything.
For me, it’s playing the piano. But the best part isn’t just playing - it’s who I get to play with. For nine years, I’ve been lucky enough to team up with three incredible flute players who have some pretty amazing stories. One toured with Wicked and studied at Juilliard. Another has a PhD in flute performance. And now, they’re lawyers, retired judges, and marketing pros. Together, we call ourselves “Musica Ipsa Loquitur” (leave it to lawyers to give ourselves a Latin name that means “The Music Speaks for Itself”).
Every December, we gather in downtown Minneapolis to play holiday music in the skyways of one of the large corporate buildings. Specifically, we play in the Capella Tower - a gorgeous space connected to the city’s famous skyway system. If you’re not from Minnesota, the skyways might sound odd (but they are incredible!). It’s a network of above-ground, second-story enclosed walkways connecting buildings so we can avoid the winter freeze while still getting around downtown. Only in Minnesota, right?
We play while people pass by, grabbing coffee, heading to meetings, or wrapping up their day. And you know what’s magical? Watching someone pause, smile, or even just slow their stride as a familiar carol catches their ear. It’s such a simple thing, but it reminds me how much joy hobbies can bring - not just to us, but to the people around us.
Why Hobbies Matter
Hobbies aren’t just something fun to do; they’re essential. They remind us we’re more than our work and help us reconnect with what makes us happy. Here’s why they matter:
They Clear Your Head: Hobbies give your brain a break. They let you focus on something fun and fulfilling instead of all the stress swirling around.
They Fill Your Cup: Creative outlets are like fuel for your soul. They help you process emotions, relieve stress, and find moments of joy.
They Connect You to Others: Whether it’s a band, a book club, or a trivia team, sharing a hobby creates a sense of belonging. It’s not just about what you do—it’s about the people you do it with.
They Let You Give Back: There’s something special about creating something others can enjoy—whether it’s music, a painting, or even a batch of cookies.
How to Fit Hobbies Into a Busy Life
I know what you’re thinking - “who has time for hobbies?”. Your plate already feels pretty full with your legal work and all of the things you juggle in the rest of your life.
But fitting a little creativity into your life doesn’t have to be hard. Here are some practical ideas:
Start Your Day with a Mini-Hobby: If you love writing, start your day with a quick journal entry or work on a poem or story for 10 minutes. If you enjoy drawing, keep a small sketchpad on your nightstand and doodle something before heading into your day.
Make It a Lunchtime Habit: If knitting or crocheting relaxes you, bring a project to work and add a few rows during lunch. Love photography? Take a quick walk around your office or the area around your building with your phone or camera to capture interesting shots.
Use Your Commute: Audiobooks, podcasts about your favorite hobbies, or learning a new language can turn your commute into a creative outlet. If you take public transportation, try sketching or crocheting while you ride.
Create a "Hobby Hour": Block off one evening a week for your hobby. Treat it like an important meeting you can’t skip. Whether it’s baking, woodworking, painting, or playing an instrument, give yourself that dedicated time.
Combine Hobbies with Family Time: If you have kids, try hobbies you can do together—baking cookies, building a puzzle, or working on a craft project.
Find a Social Outlet: Join a local choir, art class, or recreational sports team. These are not only great ways to keep your hobbies alive but also help you meet new people and build connections.
Sneak It into Your Weekends: Love gardening or DIY projects? Spend a Saturday morning tending your plants or trying a new home improvement project.
Make It Portable: Choose hobbies that travel well, like knitting, sketching, or even reading, so you can enjoy them whenever you have downtime—on a plane, in a waiting room, or at your kid’s soccer practice.
The key is to start small and make your hobby part of your routine. You’ll be amazed at how even a little time doing what you love can brighten your day.
Come Hear the Music!
For me and my “Musica Ipsa Loquitur” crew, the joy of playing together is about so much more than music. It’s about laughter during practice, the connection we share, and the magic of seeing someone light up when they hear a holiday tune.
We’re playing one last time this season on Wednesday, December 18, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. in Capella Tower. If you’re in downtown Minneapolis, swing by and let the music warm your heart. I’d love to see you and give you a big holiday hug!
Hobbies remind us what matters - joy, connection, and just being human. This holiday season, I hope you’ll find a little time for what makes your heart sing. You deserve it.
