When you pry them from my cold, dead fingers. 😋
I don’t think I’ve ever truly grown up, and I have the sneaking suspicion I never truly will. Nor do I think I want to.
The things I’ve enjoyed the most, I have enjoyed since I was a very young lad and I never saw the need to abandon them completely. They bring me enjoyment and an element of fun remains in my life.
Of course, I may not devote as much time to some of them anymore, but it’s still comforting to know they’re there.
Comics:
A form of media that was once frowned upon is now a multi-billion dollar industry and far mare accepted than it used to be. People have also learned that even a comic book can tell a gripping, worthwhile tale at times. Even with that said, there is still something about comics that evokes a sense of fun, adventure and youth.
Video Games:
Another medium that was once the realm of children, video games have grown up too. While punching Thanos in the mouth might not be as satisfying as smashing your narcissistic co-worker’s face in, it’s a lot safer.
The Guitar:
While I do not play as often as I used to, music and the guitar will always be very near and dear to my heart. They have seen me through some of my bleakest hours, and it is not much of a stretch to say some days they were all I had to hold onto. If not for music, I do not know if I would be here to write this post today. I used to tell people that Eddie Van Halen saved my life, and there was more than a bit of truth in that joke. Thank you, Eddie. I regret that I was never able to personally tell you what your music meant to me and so many others, but I hope you’re looking down now, reading this, and smiling.
Weightlifting/Exercise:
This “hobby” started when I was a bit older, but once it took hold, it didn’t let go. While I am currently nursing neck and back issues and have had to lean more toward calisthenics and lighter weights for the moment, I can honestly say that there is no purer form of joy than lifting a heavy ass weight. This was another thing that’s helped me keep my sanity on more than one occasion. It brought me a feeling of happiness and accomplishment when they were sorely lacking in my life.
While it often starts off as a superficial pursuit, it turns into something almost spiritual for some. It becomes much more than a vanity project when you explore the process, the nutrition and the study of optimal routines. It instills a sense of self-discipline and a passion for improvement, that for me, have rarely been matched.
To say I can’t wait to get back and hit it hard is an understatement.
So, no, I will not be giving up my hobbies or interests anytime soon. To do so would be giving up a part of myself. And that is not something I am down to do.
2/9/25: Looking back on this post, it’s clear that I am as big a juvenile as I was when I wrote this. Can’t say much has changed in that regard! 😄
The Beginning At Last 
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