From Passion to Community: The Plus-Value of Hobbies in Winnipeg

In an increasingly digital and fast-paced world, the idea of having a hobby can sometimes feel like a luxury. Yet, as a recent conversation among Winnipeg locals Tomás, Omar, and Anahí revealed, hobbies are far more than just leisure activities. They are essential for personal well-being and for building a strong, vibrant community. Their discussion, filled with personal stories and reflections, shed light on the social “plus-value” of hobbies and their profound impact on the city.

It began with a simple question: “What’s your hobby?” But the answers went far deeper than a list of pastimes. For Omar, a personal trainer and nutritional coaching student, his commitment to the gym is rooted in passion, discipline, and consistency. He describes it as an emotional outlet that has taught him to value the journey over the destination. In a city like Winnipeg, where long winters can dampen motivation, his approach carries an important message: hobbies don’t need to be extreme to be meaningful. Even something as simple as 15 minutes of walking a day can transform health and outlook, proving that small steps can have big impacts on community well-being.

For Anahí, a writer, singer, and psychology student, hobbies take the form of writing songs and poems. She captures her experience with three words: home, creativity, and intelligence. Writing provides her with a safe space for her thoughts and emotions, especially as an immigrant adjusting to a new culture and language. It became a way of processing the challenges of leaving family behind while also building a sense of belonging in her new home. In Winnipeg—a city shaped by generations of newcomers—stories like hers highlight how hobbies provide both a personal anchor and a thread in the city’s cultural fabric.

Tomás, meanwhile, finds his outlet in volleyball. For him, team sports not only help manage anxiety but also teach the importance of communication and collaboration. Success on the court, he explains, is never just about individual effort but about the strength of the team. This spirit of shared effort mirrors Winnipeg itself, where everything from community center programs to neighbourhood cleanups thrives on people working together. Team-based hobbies don’t just entertain—they teach trust, cooperation, and the skills needed to strengthen social bonds.

The group also spoke about the obstacles that often come with pursuing personal passions. Anahí shared how her family discouraged her love for music, dismissing it as a “mediocre” career path. Yet, she persisted, turning her resilience into a lesson of its own. Omar echoed the sentiment, explaining how negative comments became fuel for his motivation. These stories reflect a truth that resonates beyond hobbies: perseverance in the face of judgment helps build not only individual character but also resilient communities. When people feel empowered to follow their passions, even against the odds, they help shape a city of confident, creative, and determined individuals.

The conversation ended with a question: What matters more, discipline or motivation? The group agreed that while motivation might provide the initial spark, discipline is the steady flame that keeps you moving forward. For Anahí, motivation is like gasoline, something that gets you started. For Omar, discipline is the engine that ensures you actually reach your goals. That idea doesn’t just apply to personal pursuits but to civic life as well. Motivation may bring volunteers together for a single event, but discipline—the commitment to keep showing up—is what creates lasting change.

In Winnipeg, hobbies are much more than pastimes. They are acts of self-care, resilience, and connection. They anchor individuals through difficult times, help newcomers navigate unfamiliar territory, and foster teamwork and trust. Every time someone picks up a paintbrush, joins a volleyball match, or takes a winter walk, they enrich not only their own life but also the collective well-being of the community. The question left for all of us is simple: what hobby will you pursue today to add your own “plus-value” to Winnipeg?