Favorite Things, Life, Soul Homework

icebreaker – what i’m into now (and what i’m not)

Kari

i’ve been revisiting some old drafts lately, and this one has been sitting in my “maybe” pile for almost a year and a half. i thought it would be a fun way to learn more about you too.

another icebreaker today. if this is your first visit, you can start here to learn more about the story behind these posts. head here for the full list of icebreakers.

today’s icebreaker has two parts:
1. what’s something you’re into now that you never thought you’d be into?
2. and what’s something you used to be into that you’re no longer into?

before 2020, i moved through life with a kind heart but very little clarity. i was in the thick of perimenopause, carrying more emotional weight than i understood. and trying to keep up with a body that felt like it was changing faster than i could.

then 2020 happened. the world slowed down, and for the first time, i really got to know myself. in that process, i realized that many of the things i thought defined me no longer fit – and that was okay.

with that awareness came the freedom to let go of the mask i’d worn for years- the one shaped by who i thought i had to be. i started embracing who i really am, that shift made space for joy, real joy. the kind that shows up when you’re aligned with what actually lights you up.

that’s probably when everyone around me (and on this blog) started noticing a change. maybe you thought she’s going through something (yet again) or she’s kind of a hippie now, but really, you were just meeting the real me for the first time.

i’m still evolving, so don’t get too attached to this version.

here’s a snapshot of what i’m into now.

yoga

daily reflection/meditation

birds/birdwatching

nature

plants

crystals

reiki

feng shui

boba tea (and tea in general)

spirituality

reading

journaling

just to name a few…

and here are a few things i used to be into, but no longer am:

cooking (i do it out of necessity, not for enjoyment)

baking

longtime readers might remember graphics like these. when i first started this blog, i shared so many decorating and diy posts.

decorating

crafting

facebook. facebook marketplace, metal chairs, lamps, logs, blue lockers, coffee table
the coffee table was a facebook marketplace find. marketplace was both a blessing and a curse-i could never resist finding something (see: shopping).

shopping (i still love browsing)

facebook

now, that space is where i do my soul homework, and the vibe in our home has completely shifted.

religion

john hughes movies -i still love them, just not as much as i used to.

ella at the ferris bueller exhibit in the sears tower, 2016. ❤️

so i’m curious, what’s something that you’re into now that you never thought you’d be into? and what’s something you used to love, but don’t anymore?

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69 thoughts on “icebreaker – what i’m into now (and what i’m not)”

  1. For several years I was really into wine, being a member of several wine clubs (along with Hubby) and even writing for a wine blog. I’m OK with cheap wine now, and even prefer beer. I also used to love cooking, but as the years went by, I found that I was more annoyed by it. Why wasn’t anyone cooking for me? Eff that. I’m only cooking for me now.

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    2. OMG Gina, I’m laughing so hard. Why WASN’T anyone cooking for you?? I think that’s why I never loved it either—always doing it because it had to be done, not because it was fun.

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  2. I enjoyed seeing what you’re into now, like bird watching — which I am too. I’m also into photography, which I was with my iphone, but now I’m taking classes and learning more. I used to enjoy golf and skiing, but thanks to broken part of my body, I can no longer find enjoyment in them.

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    1. I love that you’re into bird watching too! Photography is so fun, especially taking it to the next level with classes. I can relate to losing interest in things we used to love—it’s hard, but it also makes space for new passions.

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  3. I have loved watching you evolve since 2020. Probably even before that? I’ve enjoyed how your interests have changed the what you write about/share. (None of us need another DIY furniture makeover, do we? Said with love, and only because I once shared them, too.) I am so glad for you that you’ve been able to drop your masks. I know how wearying and soul-sucking it is to go through life hiding your authentic self. 

    Something I’m into now that I never thought I would be is gardening. When I was a kid, my dad made me do two hours of yard work every day, M-F, during summer break, starting the summer after 5th grade. I hated it. I’m glad I didn’t let that experience ruin it for me forever. Now, time in my yard can feel very therapeutic, and I love creating/stewarding a habitat for the squirrels, rabbits, and birds who live here with me. Something I used to love but don’t seem to any more is reading print books. I miss the joy I used to get from that. I’m trying to reclaim it, figure out how to get it back. I hope that I can.

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    1. Oh, friend, thank you for saying that—it means so much to me. I’ve loved watching you evolve too, and seeing how intentional you are with your life is inspiring. Your gardening sounds wonderful, and I love how you’ve turned something that used to feel like a chore into a space that nourishes both you and the wildlife around you. I relate to what you said about print books—I’m hoping to reclaim that joy myself with yoga—I haven’t been doing it at night for months, just five-minute morning sessions a few days a week. It makes me a little sad I’m not as passionate as I once was, but I’m not giving up. The joy will come back when it’s ready. 💜

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  4. Hmm. I can’t think of anything that I’m into now that I never thought I would be into. All the things I’m into, I could have seen myself enjoying them, if that makes sense. When I was younger I didn’t think I would be into cooking, but that was WAY younger, like my teen self. I do enjoy cooking and baking, and I have for most of my adult life, so I don’t think that counts.

    Things I used to be into? Running, I haven’t gone running since fall of 2022, and I don’t miss it at all. I always thought I would. I used to love step aerobics, remember that?

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    1. I stopped running in March of 2020. I was worried about getting hurt and needing to go to the hospital at the beginning of everything, so I just quit and never really went back. And step aerobics- omg! I’d forgotten about that.

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  5. Used to love rollercoasters, meeting up with friends at a bar, and craft beers to name a few.

    These days I’ve somehow learned to appreciate and enjoy cooking, yard work no longer bothers me and I’m not all the way there yet — but I’m starting to think I might appreciate “working out” again (or at least the feeling I get afterward).

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    1. It’s funny how things we never thought we’d enjoy, like cooking or yard work, can actually start to feel satisfying. And yes—the after-workout feeling is so worth it, even if getting there is the hard part. 💜

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  6. I don’t feel like I’m enjoying decorating nearly as much as I used to; I can remember moving furniture around “just because” and either moving around or buying some new decorative household items and I honestly can’t remember the last time I’ve done either one!

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  7. I enjoyed reading what you’re into and what you’re not so much into anymore. I didn’t know you during the DIY period so fun to learn.

    I suppose I didn’t think I’d be learning Italian and spending time over here in Italy as often as I am. I mean it makes sense now but still sometimes I’m surprised.

    I’m also into energy work and manifestation and paying attention to what words I’m using.

    I’m not as much into people pleasing and playing nice or being around people who bring me down. This has meant some loss and grief.

    This was interesting to think about. Thanks Kari.🥰

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    1. I completely relate to what you said about loss and grief.Letting go of what doesn’t serve us can be hard, but it also opens space for more authenticity and alignment. I love hearing about your Italian adventures —it’s inspiring how intentional you are with your life, my friend. 😘💜

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  8. Great questions! Of course, your answers to both made me smile. When you said, “I’m still evolving so don’t get too attached to this version”, I actually laughed out loud. :-) But the truth is, we should all be evolving and changing during our lives. As long as we remain true to ourselves and others, that’s what counts. I find as I get older, it’s easier to take off that “mask” and be authentic.

    As for myself, what I’m into now that I never thought I’d be into…Reiki, stones/crystals, oracle cards, art journaling, birding, meditation, Thai and Japanese cuisine, drinking fruity sour beer.

    What I used to be into, but am no longer…religion, baking, wearing mascara, playing piano and flute, ironing.

    xoxo

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    1. Big YES to it being easier to take off the mask and be authentic as we get older.

      I love that we share so many of the same interests.

      And I’m definitely no longer into ironing either.

      💜

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    1. I can relate! I don’t cook or bake for fun anymore- it’s more about feeding whoever needs it. Luckily, our almost-18-year-old loves to cook (and is a very picky eater), so she makes a lot of her own meals now, which is such a joy to watch, It’s fun to see them take the reins sometimes.

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  10. This is so fun, Kari! As a new-ish reader (I don’t think I was here for the DIY post era), I love seeing how you’ve evolved. Let’s see. Two things I am into that Past Me would have a hard time believing are strength training and horror movies. Oh! And romance novels!!!

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    1. I’m glad you think it’s fun! I thought so too.

      I can totally relate- my past self would have laughed if you told me I’d get into REIKI and CRYSTALS! Your things sounds like the perfect mix of sweat, screams, and swoon. 💜

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  12. What a fun exercise! I used to be very into practicing and teaching yoga, but I had to give it up (which I would have never imagined) due to hypermobility/injury and low blood pressure/fainting. I don’t know if I’m necessarily “into it” but I’ve spent the last many years learning about nutrition for fertility and then IVF when natural methods weren’t enough, which has been surprisingly empowering… so maybe preparing for parenthood is my current thing. 😊

    I love, love, love this: i’m still evolving, so don’t get too attached to this version. Amen to that!

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    1. Giving up yoga must have been really hard, especially something you loved so much. It’s beautiful how you’ve found new ways to connect with your body and honor yourself through nutrition and preparing for parenthood. I love how you embrace your evolving self without feeling tied to any one version. You are inspiring, my friend. 😘💜

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      1. Ultimately, I didn’t have much of a choice, which takes away a bit of the sting, but it is hard. I hadn’t really made the connection regarding finding new ways to connect with and honor my body… wow! Yes, we are just ever-evolving, aren’t we? Amazing! 😘💜

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  13. This is great, and yes to still evolving! I think you’ve become a super cool person! What did I used to do that no lonter interests me: Gardening is a big one. I tried and tried to grow things, but deer, wind, and early frosts made it impossible. I’ve been so much happier since I gave it up! What do I do now that I never thought I would? Play Solitaire on my iPad! I cannot believe that I play Solitaire!!!!! And I enjoy it! What happened to me?

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    1. Aww, thank you, friend! I think YOU are super cool too.

      Oh gosh, I could put gardening on my list as well. I wish I could grow things- we have a lot of critters too. This: I’ve been so much happier since I gave it up! YES. YESSSS.

      Every night before going to bed, I listen to music and play Candy Crush. It calms me, and all I can think about is crushing candy! Play those games! 😊

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  14. Hmm, you’ve stumped me. I am not into insta or twitter or tic toc or social media platforms – never was, so I guess that doesn’t count.

    Oh, here’s one. I used to be more intertwined with my family of origin – trying to align and connect and feeling upset when I was left out. I don’t feel that way anymore. I think my own children and my spouse and my friends and my SILs are who I choose to see and spend time with. I still see my parents and I do help them out whenever I can, but I am no longer trying to get in their good graces and wondering why other siblings are treated differently. It no longer matters. It helps that my sister drives my dad bonkers. That makes me feel seen. Haa haa.

    I used to walk or do a workout class. Now I lift weights and run and ride the bike – next level workouts are my jam, and I rarely skip.

    I never used to take Miralax twice a day and gee that’s fun. Ha. Between that and the med the doctor has me taking – I can sleep and that’s important (although I’d still prefer to just have someone fix what’s wrong with me).

    I do love shopping, but I’m finding I do that a lot less – like a LOT.

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  16. OMG Kari, it’s so funny, because I am the opposite of you when it comes to cooking. I used to have no interest in it whatsoever. However over the past 8 years, I’ve gotten to LOVE it. Now that it’s Fall/Winter, I especially love to cook delicious soups. I’m making one tonight – Minestrone (with some ingredient variations).

    And something that I used to be into, but no longer am, is warm, humid, sunny tropical weather. As you know, I used to live in Florida for 20 years (and really loved it). However, I am now the complete opposite – I HATE that kind of weather. In fact, 75 degrees is too hot for me. Over those 20 years, I have completely switched to loving cloudy, grey, rainy, snowy, COLD weather. The colder it is, the better I feel.

    Love your photos! Especially the stack of books on Reiki, Feng Shui, Crystals, ect… Meeeeee too! I started my journey on those topics back in the early 80s.

    As always, your posts are always fun and informative to read. Hope you’re having a fab week so far, my friend!

    X

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    1. I love this for you! Yay for finding things in our lives that make us happy!

      OMG SAME! I’m currently going through old journals to kind of compare old me with current me, and it’s been a lot of fun to see the changes. 2019 me loved summer; current me does not. 75 is also too hot for me—65 is my ideal temperature.

      I love that we both are on healing journeys. It’s helped me in so many different areas of my life. I hope it’s helped you as well. 😘💜

      Sending you love for the rest of your week, my friend!

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  17. What an interesting set of … interests! Good for you on about the daily meditation practice. That’s something I used to be into that I wish I could get back to. Another category for you.

    What surprises me now that I’m into are things that I probably have been into forever but was in denial about. Clothes, which I can’t believe I’m saying. I don’t buy anything new, but man am I built for thrift shopping for clothes (I’m small, and thrift stores are full of shrunk stuff). Tonight I’m going out (a rare thing) and wearing for the first time this ridiculous sweater that’s a duster, I think it’s called, a long open sweater, with a fake fur collar. I swear I look like an aging Janis Joplin in it. Can’t wait.

    I used to be into challenging and difficult reading, and now I just can’t. What a pitiful list! Frufru clothes in, intellectualism out. I am not what I expected.

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    1. I struggle with meditating. I try it every day, but I don’t always succeed.

      It’s fun to read this because I felt this way about how I am now. I probably would’ve made fun of the me I am currently—yoga, reiki, crystals? Who is this girl? By the way, I think an aging Janis Joplin is badass. I’d love to go thrifting with you. There is this creator on TikTok who wears this amazing duster jacket she made or thrifted, and it’s stunning. 10 years ago me would never have given it a second glance. I love this about us!

      Evolving is a trip. 💜

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      1. I think “trying” to meditate every day is a practice, and a practice is what meditating is all about, not “succeeding.” Sorry for the excess quotation marks. Who is this girl? ;-)

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  19. This is a fun one! I never thought I would be into fitness like I am now. I was the kid who HATED gym class. As an adult, I tried yoga and jazzercise and a few fitness classes and never liked any of them. And here I am now, working out twice a day with YouTube videos, using weights and doing cardio and balance. I actually like it! Another thing I didn’t see was enjoying podcasts. I only started listening to them during Covid because I got tired of music on my endless walks. Now I listen to them if I have more than a 15 min drive anywhere and also while I’m ironing (I do a lot of ironing, unlike most people).

    I used to love crafts, especially cross stitch, embroidery, and decoupage. I have no interest in that now. I also used to love being in a book club (was in the same one from 2000-2010). When it disbanded, I tried two others and didn’t vibe with the people. And now I have zero interest in someone else choosing what I read.

    I’m glad you found things you enjoy doing now. I wonder if our interests will change again in the 2030’s?

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    1. I want to be like you. I want to get more fit and active, especially as I get older. AND I also want to like podcasts. The New York Times had a couple I listened to over the years, but then I lost interest again. I feel like I would exercise more if I were not bored.

      I am with you on crafts and book clubs. I have absolutely no interest in someone else picking what I read. 🤣

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      1. check out Coach Angel on YouTube. Her videos are super fun. Good music, no talking and they are in the 15-20 min range, so easy to fit into your day.

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  21. Now: I never thought I’d be the person someone could say had a favourite tank. I had no interest whatsoever in militaria or military history, but spending time with Himself, I do now have a favourite tank :)

    No longer: I used to enjoy a drink, only socially, but I could keep up with rugby boys. These days, I rarely touch a drop. Not because of addiction or other concerns, I just lost interest. About twice a year, I’ll enjoy a bottle of good sparkling wine or champagne, but that’s it. I’m always happy going back to tea and water.

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    1. I love your now! This made me smile.

      I don’t drink either. I used to do wine nights with friends before 2020, but I haven’t done a wine night since, and I don’t really enjoy alcohol anymore.

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  22. It’s always fun to know about other people’s interests. Perhaps I’m into being nosy? (sort of true, actually)

    I noticed that I got into birds about ten years ago. It started with a hummingbird feeder, and escalated. I love watching them come to the deck in the fall and winter to eat and poke about about. I get a lot of different woodpecker types, and they’re adorable.

    Things I used to love but don’t – chocolate. I find a lot of it is no longer to my taste.

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    1. I love watching them too, Michelle. I really got into them during the 2020 lockdown, probably because I was either stuck at home or out on walks more. It made me a little sad that it took a pandemic for me to notice them.

      I was just telling my mom that in my 50s I care less about what others have and more about what is happening inside. Birdwatching seems to fit with that shift. Thank you for getting me thinking this morning. This is why I love the comment section.

      And this made me smile because I gave up chocolate last year due to migraines and now I am eating it again. Some chocolate tastes different to me after being away from it for so long.

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  23. Yes, I like piña coladas
    And gettin’ caught in the rain
    I’m not much into health food
    I am into champagne
    I’ve got to meet you by tomorrow noon
    And cut through all this red tape
    At a bar called O’Malley’s
    Where we’ll plan our escape

    :)

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  24. I’ve really enjoyed watching my friend Kari turn into a modern-age hippie. It suits you! 😍

    I love birding now, more than ever. I got overly excited watching and listening to two pileated woodpeckers from our deck this morning. Good thing my bladder wasn’t full!

    I’m certainly not into shopping as much as I once was, and I really don’t want to go out as much as we used to.

    I refuse to spend time with people who drain me. If you’re not bringing joy or love, get the hell outta here.

    Keep evolving my sweet friend; we’re all here for it.

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    1. Aww, thank you, friend! I think it does too. 💜

      I will literally roll down my windows and say goodbye and hello to my yard birds. The neighbors must think I’m crazy, but honestly, that’s nothing new. They’ve always thought that.

      Going out- YASSS. I should’ve added that too. I have zero interest in making plans like I used to.

      My god, you and I are so alike in how we’ve changed. 🤣

      You too, dear friend. 😘💜🌈

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  25. I love these types of posts. Also, there is nothing more satisfying than finally posting a draft that’s been collecting dust forever!

    I’m doubling down on your questions because I’m an overachiever.

    Two things that I’m into now that never interested me before: Brussel’s sprouts and Spoon. (The band, not the utensil. I’ve always liked spoons but never much cared for Spoon. Now, they’re one of my most-listened to bands. I love how they are not afraid to experiment with different styles; every song sounds unique.)

    Two things I’m no longer into? Writing anything by hand (my handwriting is borderline illegible anyway) and tracking food. For years after catching diabetes, I was militant about logging every bite I ate into MyFitnessPal to ensure I didn’t exceed my RDA of calories and carbs, but god, that got to be such a slog. Life is too short for that nonsense. Man, if I was still doing that now, I’d probably never touch a cheese curd. My cholesterol might be lower, but so would my overall satisfaction and happiness. That’s not a good trade-off!

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    1. Aww, thank you! I always feel so good finally hitting publish on something that has been sitting untouched forever. It is SUCH a satisfying feeling.

      I love your answers. Brussel sprouts are one of those things I didn’t love as a child but want to love as an adult. What changed it for you? And I’m adding Spoon to my playlist because now I’m curious.

      I hear you on writing by hand. Mine went downhill for a very long time until I started journaling in 2020.

      And tracking food can become a job in itself. I’m glad you gave yourself permission to stop. Life really is too short to obsess over every bite, especially if it means giving up joy like cheese curds. 💜

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      1. Great question about Brussel’s sprouts! I suppose it all comes down to how they’re prepared. A girlfriend made them for me years ago, but she just popped a frozen box into the microwave. They were soggy and drenched in fake-tasting butter. I’m kinda surprised I was willing to even give them another go, but I did, roasting fresh ones in the oven after tossing them in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt. That made all the difference in the world!

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  26. I am no longer into: people-pleasing (work in progress) , tons of makeup, Facebook or any other social media, comparing, conflict with mom over stupid stuff, politics, friend drama.

    I am now into: basic but effective skin care, sleep, writing, not smiling when I don’t feel like it, saying no.

    I’ve always been into: travel, reading, alone time, movies, holidays.

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