60 GoodLifeFamilyMag.com SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 intimidate you. “We welcome artists of all skill levels to join us to create, learn and have fun!” says San Cheang, director of art education at The Artists’ Showplace. Getting your game on may mean starting a new exercise program. Shannon Rene of Fit N Pilates in Plano says, “Exercise can be your best medicine for stress. Regular exercise can help you more effectively deal with stress and reduce the negative side effects of the stress in your life.” Shannon worked in several different fitness facilities before she decided to open her own studio, where she uses her passion for helping clients in their journey to achieve personal fitness and wellness, as well as her belief in the core principles of the Pilates method. She believes, “The more you move, the younger you become.” Just keep that in mind while you’re working out! FIND A NEW GROUP TO HANG OUT WITH When my youngest went to school, I joined a book club with my mother. It gave us something to do together, and I was looking forward to having time—and an excuse—to delve into a good book. Clare Korst’s children have all left for college, and book club has been a wonderful outlet for her. “While I certainly miss having our kids at home, one of the good things about all the kids being gone is that I get to rethink how I spend my time.  I am getting the chance to do things I love—like reading.  Joining a great book club not only allows me to pursue that passion but has also brought me a new group of fabulous women friends who I adore, and who I would never have gotten to know if I had just stayed engaged in the groups that were associated with my kids’ activities,” she says. As your kids are getting older, it’s likely your friends’ kids are, too. Enjoying time with other couples is a great social outlet. A dining/cooking club can be a perfect way to set aside time to get together with friends over a good meal. These groups usually have a basic structure that’s established early on—at someone’s home or a restaurant? Potluck or take turns cooking for the group? Gourmet or casual? How often? After they get going, I’ve heard of supper clubs that have been meeting for decades. Laura Lynch, of Savored Journeys, says a supper club “is just a fun gathering of friends around the table to share a passion for cooking (and eating!) a delicious meal and good conversation.” Who doesn’t want more time for that? “It’s a great way to stay connected with friends, share some wine and learn new recipes,” says Harriet Heckel of her longtime cooking club. The options are truly limitless. Whether you are interested in bridge or mahjongg, travel or history, the metroplex is bound to have other people who have the same interest. Consider going to meetup.com to find a group for you. MAKE A DIFFERENCE Why not pair your interests with an opportunity to help someone else? Non-profits are always in need of volunteers, so you may want to consider giving some of that “extra” time you have to a local organization. Maybe you have an interest in helping kids with special needs, reaching out to help the homeless or addressing the drug epidemic. There are thousands of local non-profits making a difference. Websites like volunteermatch. org can help you find the perfect fit for your interests, your availability and your location. As our kids get older, we have the opportunity to focus on ourselves a little more. My uncle says, “You can’t expect to just sit at home and be happy.” Figure out your passion and get moving! “It’s a great way to stay connected with friends, share some wine and learn new recipes,”saysHarrietHeckelpicturedabovewithherlongtimecookingclub.