Picking back up an old hobby can be intimidating, especially when you know your skill level was once significantly higher. I recently resumed my old passion of drawing, after I didn't have time and was too stressed to draw throughout the past year.

At first I was scared that I wouldn't live up to my old expectations or that I'd have to relearn everything I'd worked so hard to advance in for years. While these concerns were valid, as soon as I picked up my pen, I kept going and made a deal with myself that I'd keep at it everyday and practice. This was a lot harder than I expected, since I had to incorporate this new activity back into my daily schedule. I looked at my old work and wondered how I was supposed to find joy in making work less than what I was producing a year ago.

Despite being pessimistic, I'm passionate about improving my drawing ability and I decided I would try anyway, even if I didn't get results quickly. After the first day, I was discouraged and wanted to quit, but I wanted to prove to myself I could improve, regardless of time away from this hobby. While I could just focus on the things that I've become accustomed to, I wanted to focus on the creativity I'd set aside earlier and continue to pursue what I love, even if it's not in line with my career path. Hobbies are meant to be a break from average day plans, so drawing doesn't seem like a waste, but a respite from the norm.

Even if it's a long journey to get to the skill level you want, the journey is important to develop as a more patient artist. Looking at other artists' work is inevitable and can be just as intimidating as a blank page. This insecurity can hold an artist back from practicing and it can be discouraging, but so long as you recognize that you can only be your best and not compare yourself to others' best, then you'll feel more fulfilled and satisfied with your work. Jumping back into a project you left months ago and trying to finish it is one of the hardest things to do, but a comfort for me is that if you put in the time, then you will get better.

Sometimes I do feel like giving up and forgetting the hobby completely, but the promise of improvement in my work encourages me to keep going. Returning to an old hobby also brings back good memories and has helped to make me more conscious of when I need a break, during even my busiest days. Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in your own insecurities or rigid daily schedule, but carving some time out can help you be more relaxed and confident.