No excuse, I work remotely 1-2 days a week but my phone is forwarded and I am expected to pick it up (not a state employee obv).

Yes, and the public market in general is a good place to find gifts!

Great advice to browse in the library. Their job is to make reading seem fun so they can make a lot of suggestions or offer lists or displays to draw you in…they know what people like. Also a lot of public libraries have book clubs or meetups, it can help to have that kind of light social pressure to finish a book, and you will learn what other people have to say, why they think something is really good (or not), it can open up your mind to new things to look for when you read.

Try not to obsess that you have to do a Big Thing and let that block you. Just do the first little thing to get on the rung of the ladder. Like, go to the library and read a book about it. Or, call someone who could be a mentor. Or, buy the supplies. Then do the next little thing. Life isn't usually about jumping into the deep end of the pool, most things require you to wade out, and it can seem daunting if you don't set small interim goals. Also, remember this is not easy. Reward yourself at the little milestones along the way to keep yourself motivated.

Came here to say this....and that being said, I'd probably find myself gripped listening to him read the instructions on a can of paint!