Balancing Life, Love, and Logic: How My Hobbies Help Me Stay Grounded

Life is full.  

As a mother, a wife, and a full-time math major, my days are packed with responsibilities, deadlines, and people who depend on me. From juggling university coursework to managing a household and raising children, life can feel like a constant whirlwind. But in the midst of the busyness, I’ve discovered the importance of creating small, sacred spaces just for myself.  

Baking, handwriting, gardening, and math might seem like an unusual combination — but each of these practices offers me something deeply restorative. They don’t just fill my time — they fill my heart and mind with peace.

Baking: Love You Can Taste  

There’s a special kind of therapy in the kitchen. Baking lets me press pause on the chaos and focus on something creative, comforting, and delicious. Whether I’m whipping up a batch of cookies with my kids or trying a new recipe just for fun, baking grounds me in the present moment.  

The gentle rhythm of mixing, measuring, and waiting teaches patience — and the smell of something warm coming out of the oven feels like a quiet reward for showing up and creating something beautiful.

Handwriting: Finding Stillness in Every Stroke  

In an age of typing and texting, I’ve come to treasure the quiet magic of handwriting — especially cursive. When I sit down with a pen and clean paper, I feel like time slows down.  

Writing in cursive helps me reflect, express, and process my thoughts. It’s both an art and a form of mindfulness. Whether I’m journaling, copying a quote, or writing a personal note, it becomes a moment of peace in the middle of a busy day.

Gardening: A Family Effort and a Lesson in Patience  

Lately, my family and I have taken on a new challenge — growing grapes and blueberries in our garden. It’s been a beautiful, bonding experience.  

Gardening is one of those activities that teaches you to slow down and trust the process. You can’t rush a blueberry bush or force a vine to grow. It takes nurturing, patience, and hope. Watching our plants change with the seasons, checking for new growth, and celebrating tiny signs of progress — it’s a peaceful reminder that growth takes time, both in the garden and in ourselves.

Math: Logic in the Midst of Life  

As a full-time math major, numbers are a big part of my life — and surprisingly, they bring me comfort. While life can be unpredictable and emotional, math gives me structure and clarity.  

There’s a sense of order in equations, and a kind of calm in knowing that every problem has a solution. Math challenges me intellectually, but it also helps me feel capable, focused, and strong — especially on the days when everything else feels overwhelming.

A Life That’s Full — and Fulfilled  

These four practices — baking, handwriting, gardening, and math — might not have much in common on the surface. But for me, they each offer something essential. They bring me back to myself when I feel stretched thin. They help me reconnect with joy, beauty, purpose, and peace.

I don’t always get long, quiet mornings or perfect routines. But even a few intentional minutes with a pen, a mixing bowl, a math problem, or a garden bed help me feel a little more whole.

Final Note to the Reader

I hope reading this encourages you to reflect on the practices that bring you peace and joy. Whatever season you’re in — whether you’re raising little ones, chasing big dreams, or just trying to make it through the week — you deserve to create moments for yourself.  

Find the things that nourish your spirit and participate in them fully. You don't have to earn rest or joy — you just have to make space for it. Your peace matters.