[yummypaint]

I think a common barrier is that people don't give themselves a chance to get into new things because they subconsciously pidgeonhole themselves as not elegible. Expose yourself to lots of novel things. Try not to think too much about your expectations of yourself or your identity, and focus on what grabs your interest. Don't concern yourself about whether a potential hobby fits within your established self image or popular perception of your profession.

When i was 15 i told myself it was too late to start learning to play an instrument despite my lifelong interest in composing music. I was used to excelling in other areas, and i now realize the prospect of both being behind and learning more slowly than my peers who started as children was a taken as a threat to my identity by my teenage brain. Now im over 30 and finally started seriously learning music theory, and it's been a deeply fulfilling and mind expanding experience. I wish i had given myself a chance half a lifetime ago.

[giantg2]

I agree. I am also starting to learn an instrument.