Unfolding Childhood Passions: How Societal Expectations Hinder Adult Hobbies

Childhood is a time of wonder and experimentation, filled with unlimited possibilities. Games like board games, dodgeball, jacks, and even licking the beater during baking, can often be seen as childhood activities. However, as we grow older, many of these activities are abandoned, either because of societal pressure or a lack of success in pursuing them professionally.

From Childhood Games to Adult Challenges

One of the many childhood games that I enjoyed was creating board games. My love for board games and rudimentary programming was a natural extension of a playful and creative mind. However, as I entered my teenage years, I was convinced that there was no future in such endeavors, deeming it as 'kids stuff'.

This was a common sentiment among my peers in the 90s, where the notion of playing board games was alien to many adults. It wasn't until my early 30s that I decided to take up the hobby again. Over the years, I managed to create about thirty games, though most were of mediocre quality. A few, however, were good enough to be developed, but the market became highly saturated, making it difficult to break into the industry.

Looking back, I realize that if I had pursued this passion during my teenage years, I could have perhaps made it a successful career or at least a side hustle. As it stands, it's a regret of not following through with my childhood interests.

Societal Expectations: A Double-Edged Sword

Social norms and expectations can heavily influence the activities we engage in as adults. Even a simple childhood pastime like dodgeball can quickly be perceived as childish if someone were to play it as an adult. The sound of a rubber ball “PINGing” an opponent can be fun, but it's also a stark reminder of the social judgment that can come with it.

Then there are activities like jacks. I found jacks to be a delightful game, but even practicing it as an adult can be challenging as my physical abilities might not be what they once were. Moreover, the social stigma associated with playing such games at my age makes it hard to participate openly and without judgment.

Smiling without Judgment

Just like my physical childhood hobbies, smiling is another unframed activity that can fall by the wayside as we grow older. Smiling, especially when done without any ulterior motive, can be a misunderstood act in today's society. Unlike the days when a smack of the beater during baking was a simple act of fun, smiling now can lead to unwanted scrutiny and judgments.

The expectation to behave in a ‘normal’ way can make it challenging to maintain a practice of smiling freely. People might think, 'why is he smiling at me?', leading to misunderstandings and potential awkwardness. The act of smiling, in the purest sense—without any underlying intention and without seeking a response—has become a rare and often alienated practice in today's world.

It's a double-edged sword: a spontaneous act of joy and warmth, but also a potential symbol of social confusion and the fear of being perceived as weird. Breaking free from these societal shackles and rediscovering the joy of innocent childhood passions can be a bold and rewarding endeavor.

Conclusion

Childhood hobbies and interests can offer a wealth of joy and fulfillment in adulthood, provided we are willing to embrace them without fear of judgment. The world would be a more vibrant and harmonious place if we could all reclaim our playful spirit and engage in activities that bring us genuine happiness, regardless of age or societal norms.