There’s a distinct possibility I have too many fears. Heights. Airplanes. Tight Spaces. Creepy Crawlers. German Shepherds (don’t ask). Failure. Rejection…but perhaps the most irrational one of all is my fear of getting old. I’m not talking about literally aging; I mean missing out on the fun things in life because I’m too “busy” for them.

I’ve been contemplating the importance of “staying young” for a couple weeks now and even blogged about it last week. I suggested that by living out our childhood dreams, in one way or another, we can retain those feelings of youth. My post generated a lot of feedback and readers seemed to contend that they had specific interests or rituals to keep their lives balanced.

And that’s the key, isn’t it? A balanced life? I’ve come to realize that one thing everyone has in common–regardless of our age–is hobbies. We might enjoy different things, but we all cling to something to supplement school/professional life. Up until recently, blogging was my only consistent hobby. As much as I love it, I wanted to explore additional activities as well.

But what? Some of you may have noticed several of my recent tweets asking about favorite hobbies. I wanted to know what you all enjoyed and why. What makes a hobby worthy of your time?

Many of you prefer hobbies that are nice, relaxing breaks from the “norm” because they make you feel inspired.

@bkuite: photography and painting – Art is the only thing I really do for myself. When I’m focusing on an angle or painting a line it really helps me relax after a long day/week

@TerrenceWing: Hobby – Big time movie buff. It helps me forget everything (unless it is a bad movie)

@JasMollica: I enjoy listening to music because it either inspires or relaxes me. Certain songs can take me to another level. Playing my PS3 is also fun!

@davidreich: Jazz. I like all types of jazz, but especially Latin Jazz. Live or recorded, I listen to it all. I did a jazz radio show while in college. It makes me feel good. It can relax me, energize me, get my spirits up. I love almost all kinds of music, but jazz really speaks to me.

Some of you enjoy hobbies that keep you intellectually stimulated.

@SJOgborn: anything at all? I’d say my biggest hobby, or passion you could say, is reading – lots…serious crazy amounts…I only read nonfiction – I like that it’s real and not a bunch of fluff. Used to read a TON of fiction though. And it’s worth my time because I feel like I gain something from every book I read- a new perspective, etc.

@Kamallard: Reading anything & everything. I learn so much!

And then there are those of you who take refuge in active lifestyles.

@micahvandergritt: exercising, motorcycle riding, drums/guitar, movies, soccer. I consider my hobbies my real life. Work is just a daily, necessary interruption. I like being active to stay healthy.

@samemac: New found interest: running 5ks! It’s been very relaxing and motivational.

@bitty_boop: Playing sports (in general) because it helps to release stress and is enjoyable=)

@RLBriones: singing, dancing, overall performing – because I love collaborating with people and it brings me great joy.

I’ll admit this post is mostly for me. With college graduation rapidly approaching, I’m doing a lot of self-evaluation and realizing just how much life is about to change. I’ve been a student for 16 years. It’s all I know. But as I adapt to the professional world of public relations, I want to make sure to take my personal hobbies and interests with me. Blogging is one passion, and I’m doing my best to add others into the mix.

In fact, my friends (@JoleneGurtis and @KristenMarie09) and I have started taking weekly tennis lessons. I can assure you I’m not the next Venus Williams, but hey, who ever said you had to be GOOD at your hobbies? ;)

I believe creativity outside of the workplace transcends to creativity inside. What are your thoughts?