You've got to try it on

I never dreamed of being a tap dancer, so I was surprised, a few years ago, when the listing for “Tap Dance: Beginner” caught my eye. The schedule was good (Saturday mornings from 10:00 - 11:00), and the price was reasonable: $12/lesson for drop-in, less if you sign up for the full eight week session, and shoes. Shoe prices start at $25, though for beginners smooth-soled shoes were acceptable.

But I wanted the shoes.

It took three orders to get a pair that fit properly and I was ready.

Or at least I thought I was.

I was dizzy after the first class, excited after the second, and felt doubt creeping in after the third. The fourth class was the best. We learned new steps and the routine at the end brought things together nicely. I felt like I was starting to get it.

But it didn't last. Partly because the class moved too quickly for me to keep up, and then the pandemic hit.

Starting a new hobby is an exciting adventure. But it can also be rife with doubt, confusion, and questions.

• What does it cost to get started?
• Are you willing (or able) to make the investment?
• Can (or will) you commit the time it will take to master whatever it is?

All of these questions are important, but what I've learned is, we can't know until we try. And when we do, it may just lead to something else.

Is tap dance for me? I don’t think so. But I'm glad I gave it a go. And the shoes? I haven't parted with them ... yet.

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Are there hobbies you've tried that have or haven't worked out as expected?

I'm working on a series of field guides ... interactive workbooks to help you explore new hobbies and interests. The first is slated for next month: all about summer. Ideas to feed your curiosity, help you step away from technology and explore the world around you.

What do you look forward to when summer arrives? Tell me about what it is and why you enjoy it.