Embrace Your Interests: How to Let Yourself Be You
⏱️ Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Variety is the spice of life, right? That’s what they say. I’m not sure who “they” are, but it’s certainly a cliché I’ve heard many times.
Recently, I was struck by how true that sentiment feels in my own life and I wanted to honor it.
Meet Dr. Jenny
Before I get personal, I should probably introduce myself. I’m Dr. Jenny, a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in helping high-achievers with anxiety live a life that feels authentic to them, without worrying what other people think. I offer online therapy sessions to fit your busy schedule while getting the support you need to feel your best. If that sounds helpful to you, reach out and we’ll do a quick call to see if we’re a good fit.
Now, back to the story…
DISCLAIMER: I am a licensed clinical psychologist, and the information provided here is for general informational and educational purposes only. While I aim to share helpful and thoughtful content, reading this blog does not establish or imply a therapist-client relationship between us.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please seek immediate help from a licensed professional or contact emergency services in your area. This blog should not be a substitute for professional mental health care or personalized guidance.
For personalized support or therapy services, please reach out directly to a licensed mental health provider in your area.
What Tapas Can Teach Us About Embracing Our Interests
I’ve often said my absolute favorite way to eat is tapas style. For those unfamiliar, tapas are small bites, an assortment of dishes across different categories that let you enjoy a few bites of many things.
I love getting to experience variety without waste and without the feeling that I’m missing out on something intriguing I wanted to try. Tapas are often shared with a group (though two people is plenty for a great experience), which makes it social and collaborative. Everyone can suggest something they love. I might be unsure about a particular dish, but if someone else raves about it, I can taste it without committing to the whole plate.
So…why does this food tangent belong on a therapy blog?
Own Your Interests Unapologetically
Recently, I was at a concert (I promise this has a therapeutic point) and had an unexpected realization. Most of the crowd dressed in a style that matched the band’s vibe, myself included. But before the show started, the venue’s playlist was completely different, genre-wise. I found myself bopping along to these “out-of-place” songs because I knew and loved most of them.
It hit me: in the past, I might have pretended not to enjoy those tracks to fit in. How dare someone like more than one genre of music? Doesn’t that hurt your “cool” factor? But that night, I saw a few others dancing too and no one seemed to be judging.
That moment reminded me how important it is to own your interests unapologetically. Liking one thing doesn’t mean you can’t like something completely different. This applies to music, food, fashion, hobbies, experiences, and even relationships.
How Diverse Interests Spark Creativity and Joy
I love having diverse tastes and interests. Not only can I lean into the things that bring me joy (judgment be damned), but I’m also open to new experiences that might surprise me. That openness often sparks creativity. Stuck on a piece of writing? Not sure how to finish a painting? Can’t decide what to put in that empty spot on your shelf? Step outside your comfort zone. Trying something new can shift your perspective and unlock fresh ideas.
Let Yourself Be You, Even When It Feels Vulnerable
Of course, this requires a willingness to be seen (scary) and to try something you might not be perfect at (also scary). It means facing fears of judgment and vulnerability. But when you can set some of that aside and truly engage with life, the rewards are often worth it.
If you’re worried about embracing these hobbies feeling awkward at first, these posts may help ease your mind:
📖 Get Out of Your Own Way: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Living Authentically: Therapy Can Help You Get There
Life is too short to hide away from what makes you happy. If you find yourself holding back from experiences that might bring you joy or struggling with the vulnerability of being known, I can help. Let’s chat.
