I’m on a quest.

I’m on a quest.

See a Chicago Cubs game in all 30 Major League Baseball ballparks.

Every year I travel to 2 cities.

I make a weekend out of it.

See the ballgame.

Do the city’s touristy things.

I’ve gone with my dad, daughter, and friends.

The quest takes me places I typically wouldn’t have gone.

It’s a hobby.

The last trip was to Philadelphia.

It was scorching hot.

Thursday was touristy things: cheesesteaks, Rocky steps, Liberty Bell.

Friday was the Cubs and Phillies game.

By Saturday, we were ready for something indoors.

The Franklin Institute science museum sounded interesting.

Our tickets included access to the special “Harry Potter: The Exhibition.”

Although we’re not Harry Potter fans, I was curious.

Upon arrival at the museum, it was apparent the exhibit was the main attraction.

There was a long line of patrons dressed in wizard costumes.

Some traveled long distances just for the exhibit.

The “Potterheads” oohed and aahed over the memorabilia and interactive exhibits.

Initially, my daughter found it odd.

I asked her, “why are we in Philadelphia?”

Like many of the Potterheads, we traveled for our hobby.

At the baseball game, we oohed and aahed.

We even dressed in our Cubs jerseys at the game.

Are we any different than Potterheads?

No.

Hobbies are expressions of our individuality.

Ours is not better than yours.

Nor yours better than ours.

Hobbies make you interesting, help with stress, and foster social connections.

Our personality, environment, resources, and skills shape our interests.

Maybe you’re into collecting, games, sports, or creative arts.

Whatever it is, I encourage you to explore it.

Don’t question it or be ashamed of it.

A quote from Harry Potter says it best.

“The wand chooses the wizard.”

Own it!