Roller derby
Carmen Kilday, is a mom who is known as Inga Lorious on the Denver Roller Dolls rink.
"My roller derby habit is uber important! It is the outlet I use to escape the nightly laundry/dinner routine and occasionally to escape my three kids! I could get lost in all my kids' endeavors, but roller is something I have for me. I have always had an athletic activity that has kept me fit, like tennis or running, but roller derby is more. Derby is an obsession. At one point, I was on two travel teams and a home team. Balancing that with being a mom and a wife wasn't easy. My family sacrificed many meals with me , and my husband is definitely a derby widower. However, we are very intentional about family time and everyone has to pitch in with chores."
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Surfing
Shannon Ward lives in Canada and took up surfing at the age of 34 after having her son.
"Surfing is the perfect hobby for me because it is a great workout but is also incredibly stress-relieving. In order to surf, you must be able to live in the moment, and that means shedding all your worries for a while. It is also important to me to be in touch with nature. Every time I come out of the water, no matter if it was a bad surf session or good, I am a better person. This makes me a better mom too. I believe that having children is the best reason to pursue your passions because it sets a great example for them to not be afraid to live their dreams and to do whatever it takes to make them come true."
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Angling
Kerry Swetmon is a Georgia mom who takes her fishing seriously.
"It never ceases to amaze people when I say I'm a competitive angler. Once per year -- one wonderful, fabulous, extraordinary weekend each September -- I leave everything behind , and I travel to Texas and compete against 120 ladies in a fishing tournament. My husband knows I'm going, he knows he's in charge of the kids and he knows I look forward to it all year. And although I fly in from Atlanta, most of the ladies are from Texas. You have never seen more beautiful anglers! These Texas divas arrive at the dock at 5:45 a.m. with a full face of makeup and big hair a-flyin'. They're gorgeous! But, don't let that fool you, we are all serious about winning first place!"
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Equestrian
Stefanie Reed is a mom from Idaho who finds time in the saddle therapeutic.
"Having a hobby is important to me for a few reasons. It allows me to have my time, away from all life's responsibilities. Some days, it feels like therapy. I go home feeling totally renewed and ready for my crying baby, needy husband and dirty house! It is my competitive outlet so I don't get crazy with the other mothers on play dates. It is also important to me that my daughter grows up watching her momma be passionate about something. Balancing riding and motherhood can get tricky, but I try to make it a priority because I know how important it is for me mentally and physically. It literally can make the difference between a bad week and a good one. Plus, I have an amazing, supportive husband that understands I need my barn time."
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Shooting
Jenna Meek is a Colorado mom who enjoys regular recoil therapy.
"Shooting is great stress reliever! Some people are surprised to learn that I enjoy shooting. But, since women shooters are one of the fastest growing demographics of shooters, many ladies ask questions about how to get into the sport. I am always happy to share my love and knowledge of shooting with others! This is the main reason why my husband and I started our firearms training company, 3 Gun Dynamics. I believe that having shooting as a hobby makes me a better mom because it gives me something positive and fun to focus on. It gives me confidence. I think it's good for my son to see an empowered, confident mom. It's also something that my husband and I do together and makes us a stronger team and family. "
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Photography
Ashley Barden is an Arizona mom whose love of photography keeps her focused.
"It's so nice to have something other than my kids to be proud of! When I'm taking pictures, I'm not Brian's wife or cute kids' mom. My photography is all mine! It's good to get out of the house and do something I am passionate about, but it's even nicer to come back to my kids! I also think that it's great for them to see me out there doing something I love and to see me get excited about something other than them! Getting out there and having some time apart makes me appreciate them that much more. Doing photography refreshes my mind and gives me a boost of energy. I channel that into being a better mama!"
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Dog showing
Marjorie Sgarrella, mother of two girls, breeds and shows standard poodles.
"I really enjoy having a passion I can share with my children. Showing dogs is a big time commitment, but I really enjoy it and my family can come to the shows with me…and we all enjoy the dog! We got our first standard poodle when my girls where 5 and 7 and we didn't even know how to spell dog show. Breeding and showing happy, healthy standard poodles has become a great passion of mine; my breading program, JetSet Poodles, breeds about one litter per year. Showing dogs is a great hobby for the whole family, both my girls now have dogs of their own that they showed in junior handling."
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Yoga
Tiernan McKay is a writer for SheKnows and a mom of three who enjoys standing on her head.
"How often do we, as moms, get a chance to just focus on breathing for an hour? Not often enough. That's why I love yoga. Sure, it's fun to challenge myself with new poses and more advanced expressions, but being able to really focus on my breath is a gift. Sweating for an hour or a ninety-minute class rejuvenates me while strengthening my mind and body. While I walk out of class physically spent, I am usually emotionally and mentally recharged. I use yoga techniques in my daily life as well. When my kids throw me a curveball, I focus on my breath before reacting."
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Fly fishing
Michelle Cummings is an author, team building consultant, mom and fly fishing addict.
"Fly fishing is about being away from my other world, finding adventure in an unspoiled setting surrounded by majestic peaks, wide valleys, and stepping into culture and lifestyle that is predominately male-oriented. Any day I can stand among towering mountains, quaking aspen and other breathtaking formations, it tends to dwarf one's petty day-to-day concerns. I can't think of many other places that allow me to be as still and in sync with my surroundings as standing in a river rhythmically casting my fly rod. Fly fishing feeds my soul and allows me to be a better mom, boss, wife, etc. back in the real world."