Couple Breaks Out of Recreational Rut

After years of routine activities, a couple tries new hobbies to add variety to their lives.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A couple who had been stuck in recreational ruts for years, such as fishing and bowling leagues, realized they needed to try new activities to add more variety to their lives. They describe how they would get bogged down in routines and commitments, but made efforts to break out of those patterns over the years.

Why it matters

This story resonates with many people who can relate to getting stuck in repetitive routines and needing to make conscious efforts to introduce more variety and spontaneity into their lives. It highlights the importance of being open to new experiences and not letting obligations or habits prevent you from exploring different hobbies and pastimes.

The details

The couple, Ben and Susan Davis, had fallen into ruts with activities like fishing and bowling leagues when their children were young. They felt obligated to continue these activities even when they weren't fully enjoying them anymore. After moving from Sterling, Colorado to Kansas, Ben lost interest in fishing when he couldn't find good spots. The bowling league also became a chore they felt locked into by the end of the season. Over the years, the couple has made efforts to try new recreational activities, agreeing that variety is better than being stuck in a rut.

  • The couple's youngest son was on the track team at a local junior college during his freshman year.
  • Over the summer, the college installed a new football field and track facility.
  • The new facility was going to be dedicated at the first home football game of the season.

The players

Ben Davis

The husband who was an avid fisherman and bowler in the couple's early years.

Susan Davis

The wife who enjoyed fishing when the fish were biting, but often grew bored with it.

The couple's youngest son

A member of the local junior college's track team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You'd better shake the mud off your shoes.”

— Ben Davis (journal-advocate.com)

“We've been stuck in a rut for so long, surely we must have gotten mud on our shoes.”

— Ben Davis (journal-advocate.com)

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of being open to new experiences and not letting obligations or habits prevent you from exploring different hobbies and pastimes. It's a relatable tale of a couple who recognized they had fallen into repetitive routines and made conscious efforts to introduce more variety into their lives.