GoodLifeFamilyMag.com SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 59 Perhaps this fall has meant a big transition for your child. Moving on to middle school, high school or off to college brings big changes for your kids, but it can bring big changes for you as well. Maybe your little princess has even gotten married or your youngest has moved to take a new job in another state. It’s part of the joy of parenting to watch your children as they grow and become their own people. When our kids were babies, it was hard to even imagine the day would come that they wouldn’t need us for EVERYthing. Now they just say, “See ya later” and head out the door. They DO still need you, but they don’t demand as much TIME from you now. What will you do with all this extra time? Nap? Lunch? Catch up on that TV series you love? All good… but maybe there’s something else you’ve been meaning to do. CONSIDER GOING BACK TO SCHOOL This is when you can study something you’ve always had an interest in. You may want to explore a new career or finish the degree you started before the kids were born. A junior college is a perfect place to explore your passion without spending a fortune. Take a class in art history or learn a new language. RichlandCollegeinDallasofferscoursessuchasdogobedience, wedding planning and a real estate certification program. Their Richland Emeritus plus 50 program for adults 50 and over includes day trips and courses in everything from computers to wellness. It’s called continuing education because we can all benefit from learning something new. TAKE UP A NEW HOBBY When I was in middle school, the student whose piano lesson was before mine was a man older than my father. I assumed he must be a virtuoso working on a difficult piece until I arrived early one day and heard him practicing the most basic of songs. Itturnedouthehadalwayswantedtoplaypianoandhaddecided it wasn’t too late to start. I’ve remembered him several times as I’ve gotten older when I think I’m too old to try something. My own Uncle Harry worked 80-hour weeks as a physician for most of his adult life. When he semi-retired after his youngest left the house, he decided to take up golfing. He says that, especially in retirement, it’s important to maintain an exercise regimen and relationships with friends. “Golf kills two birds with one stone so to speak. It’s a social game, and it gets me outside and doing things.” He has more time to work on his swing than he would have had a few years ago, too! Maybe you’ve always enjoyed dance? Chamberlain School of Ballet, (see p. 68 for related story) offers open enrollment programs for adults in ballet, tap and modern dance—NO prior dance training required. Don’t worry—these classes don’t perform at the recital! Creative expression is something many of us miss as adults. The Artists’ Showplace Gallery in North Dallas is filled with the works of many a late-blooming artist. This “hidden gem” showcases the works of sculptors, jewelry artists, painters, etc. in its 12,000-foot facility. They also offer art classes and painting workshops, often led by renowned artists, but don’t let that Kick Off a New Passion This Fall By AliciaWanek Continued on page 60