Books, Stitches, and Quiet Joys

The hobbies helping me stay centered right now.

As someone with a handful of creative hobbies, I’ve spent the last few months in what I’m calling my “hobby devotion” era – a season where my free time has been filled with reading, writing, and crocheting a huge blanket (major WIP, but almost done!). And honestly? It’s been great. There’s something grounding about returning to the things I’ve let fall to the side and choosing joy in the middle of uncertainty. These small activities make me feel the most like myself.

Here’s what I’m currently obsessed with:

Adding books to my TBR

My TBR list currently sits at 65 books. Will I ever finish it? Probably. Am I constantly adding new titles? Absolutely. For me, that’s part of the fun; the list grows with me. Curating my TBR feels like planning tiny future joys, especially when life feels unpredictable. I can’t control everything, but I can choose which literary worlds I want to step into next. It’s a small, steady way of staying excited about what’s ahead.

Perfecting My Stitches

When reality gets overwhelming, I turn to crocheting. It’s calming, meditative, and pulls me out of my head and into the present moment. I’ll admit: I’m a perfectionist with my projects. I’ll redo something over and over until it feels right, which is both a strength and a downfall.

This blanket has been months in the making: squares stitched individually, sewn into columns, then joined together. Some squares I frogged entirely and started fresh. Now that all the columns are finally connected, all that’s left is the border. It might take another month, but I’m okay with that. Slow progress still counts, and the process has been just as meaningful as the finished piece will be.

Positivity Mindset

Through all of this, I’ve been intentionally choosing positivity, even when life feels uncertain or especially heavy. Joy doesn’t have to be loud or dramatic. Sometimes it’s a stack of books waiting to be read, a warm cup of coffee, a ball of yarn, or a blank page. These small, creative routines remind me that peace can be found in the quiet corners of everyday life, and that even in uncertain seasons, there’s still so much to look forward to.

What quiet joy has been grounding you lately? Whether it’s a book, a craft, or a small daily routine, I’d love to hear the simple things bringing you comfort these days, because I know I’m not the only one finding solace in life’s little moments.

-Niki