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As an online teacher, most people expect me to spend my free time reading, planning lessons, or studying languages. But recently, I’ve found myself drawn into a hobby I never thought I’d enjoy: indoor gardening.
It started with just one small plant on my desk. I noticed how calming it was to have something green nearby while teaching online. That little plant soon turned into a few herbs, then a couple of succulents, and before I knew it, I had a small “mini-jungle” by my window. ??
What I love about this unexpected hobby is how much it teaches me patience. Plants don’t grow overnight, and just like language learning, they need care, consistency, and the right environment to flourish. When I water them, repot them, or see a new leaf sprout, I’m reminded of the slow but steady progress my students make in their own learning journeys.
Surprisingly, gardening has also sparked my creativity in teaching. I now use plant metaphors when I explain learning:
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Seeds = new vocabulary
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Sunlight = regular practice
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Water = encouragement & motivation
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Growth = confidence in using English
This connection between plants and language learning has become one of my favorite ways to inspire students!
So while I never thought I’d become a “plant person,” this new hobby has become both relaxing and inspiring—and I think it’s here to stay.
How about you? Have you picked up any hobbies lately that surprised you?
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