How to Reconnect with Lost Special Interests
Bridgette Hamstead
Reconnecting with lost special interests can feel both exciting and daunting. If you are neurodivergent, your special interests have likely been an integral part of your identity, a source of comfort, creativity, and deep joy. But for many, life’s pressures, burnout, or societal expectations may have forced you to set them aside. Perhaps you were told your interests were childish, unproductive, or a distraction from more “important” things. Maybe burnout drained your ability to engage with anything that once brought you happiness. Whatever the reason, losing touch with a special interest can leave you feeling unmoored, as if a part of you has gone quiet. The good news is that you can reconnect with those interests. It may take time and patience, but you can rekindle the spark of creativity and curiosity that once made them so fulfilling.
One of the first steps in rediscovering your special interests is letting go of any guilt or self-judgment you may have about losing them in the first place. It is easy to feel like you should have held onto them, that you somehow let them slip away. But life happens. Stress, trauma, exhaustion, and societal pressure can all make it difficult to engage with something you love, especially if it feels like there is never enough time, energy, or mental space for it. Instead of blaming yourself, recognize that your interests are not gone—they have just been waiting for the right conditions to re-emerge. You do not have to force yourself to reclaim them all at once. Reconnection is a process, and the first step is giving yourself permission to explore without pressure.
It can be helpful to start by reflecting on what your special interests meant to you in the past. What drew you to them? How did they make you feel? Did they offer comfort, excitement, or a sense of mastery? Did you love the deep dive into knowledge, the physical act of creating something, or the way an interest allowed you to escape into another world? If it feels difficult to remember, try looking back at old journals, photos, or conversations where you mentioned them. If your interest involved a creative pursuit, revisit some of your past work without judgment. The goal is not to critique what you once loved but to gently remind yourself of what made it meaningful.
Once you have reconnected with the feelings behind your interests, consider reintroducing them in small, low-pressure ways. If your interest was in painting, for example, you do not need to create a masterpiece right away. Set up a space with your materials and simply experiment. If you loved researching a specific topic, find an article or documentary to watch without expecting yourself to become an expert overnight. If a past interest feels overwhelming to return to, try approaching it from a different angle. If you once loved writing stories but find it difficult to start again, try jotting down ideas or reading books that inspire you. The goal is to ease back into your interests without expectations or self-imposed deadlines.
Burnout can make it particularly difficult to engage with special interests, even when you want to. If you are struggling with exhaustion, it may help to find a way to engage that requires as little effort as possible. Instead of actively participating, try passively surrounding yourself with your interest again. Listen to podcasts, scroll through images, watch videos, or read discussions from people who share your passion. This can help reignite the connection without demanding too much energy from you. Over time, as your interest begins to feel familiar again, you may find yourself naturally drawn to more active participation.
Sometimes, returning to an old interest can feel different than it once did. You might discover that certain aspects of it no longer resonate, or that you enjoy it in a new way. This is okay. Interests evolve just like people do. Instead of trying to force yourself back into an old version of your interest, allow yourself to explore how it fits into your life now. Maybe you were once passionate about playing an instrument but now prefer simply listening to the music. Maybe you once loved building elaborate models but now find joy in learning about the engineering behind them. Your relationship with your special interest does not have to look the same as it did before for it to be meaningful.
External pressure can also play a significant role in why an interest was lost in the first place. If you were told your interest was a waste of time, silly, or something you should outgrow, those messages may have taken root. Reclaiming an interest often requires undoing the internalized shame that was attached to it. If this applies to you, remind yourself that your interests are valid, no matter what they are. There is no rule that says certain things are only for children or that an interest must be "useful" to be worthwhile. The things that bring you joy and curiosity are inherently valuable.
If you are struggling to reconnect, consider seeking out a community that shares your interest. Engaging with others who are passionate about the same things can be incredibly affirming. Whether it is an online forum, a social media group, or a local club, finding people who celebrate what you love can help dissolve any lingering doubts about whether your interest is "worth it." Community can also offer new perspectives, ideas, and encouragement, helping to reignite your passion in ways you might not expect.
One of the most important things to remember is that your interests do not have to serve a purpose beyond bringing you joy. It is easy to fall into the trap of feeling like every interest needs to be productive, turned into a side hustle, or justified in some way. But special interests are valuable simply because they make you feel alive. They are a way to connect with yourself, to engage with the world in a way that feels fulfilling and natural. You do not owe anyone an explanation for what you love or why you love it.
Reconnecting with a lost special interest is not about forcing yourself back into something before you are ready. It is about creating the space to rediscover what makes you feel passionate, curious, and engaged. Whether your interest comes back in full force or in small, quiet ways, what matters is that you allow yourself to explore freely. Your interests are part of you, and no matter how much time has passed, they are always waiting for you to return.