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Tammy Severino is the President of RPC Development, a business and development consulting firm for local businesses and not-for-profit organizations. She has more than 20 years of experience in writing, from business writing to journalism to creative writing. In her spare time, this fashionista follows and writes about fashion trends and styles. |
| When the school bell rings at the start of a new school year this September, parents will take note of the sudden silence at home. It is a moment to stop, catch your breath and think about the months ahead. Whether you are a working parent or staying home to care for the house and children, it seems we spend weeks preparing our children for the new school year. We talk to them about upcoming adventures, trying new things, and so on. As adults, however, we are often so busy that we neglect our own advice. When was the last time you took a class, tried a new activity or experienced a new adventure? It is important for our children to see we have interests, hobbies, experiences and general goings on that haven’t ceased to be simply because we became parents. Parenting is a remarkable experience. Watching a small one grow up and become all they can be is a thrill like no other. That being said, becoming a parent does not mean our interests must be placed on a shelf. Let your children see you experience something new and exhilarating. It will give them great pride to see you shine. Additionally, stepping away and doing something just for you will recharge your mind and your spirit, likely making you more attentive when you return to the fam. If you are nodding your head while reading this article, but don’t know where to begin, here are some suggestions. This list is by no means complete. Rather, I hope it sparks ideas of all of the possibilities that exist. Take a class. Have you ever given thought to taking a class just because the topic is of great interest to you? Well, why not do it? Local colleges offer the opportunity to take non-matriculated classes. Local school districts offer adult education classes in an array of topics each year as well. There are many course offerings, so spread your wings and try something for the pure pleasure of learning. Start a new hobby. Whether you’ve wanted to try your hand at a new sport or learn how to paint, the choices are seemingly limitless. Many local centers offer adult classes in the morning and evening after the kids have wrapped up. Bring a friend or go alone and use the opportunity to meet new people with a common interest. Join a club. Book clubs are by far the most common, but there are clubs for those who want to do an activity together, learn something together or discuss topics of interest. Work out. Why wait until New Years to begin a fitness regimen. With the kids at school, you can work out at home or in a gym. You can start jogging, use weights or get centered and fit with yoga. Look online for an app to track your progress and pat yourself on the back for reaching milestones. Life is too short to let opportunities continue to pass us by. Pick something to start and really embrace it. Share your enthusiasm with your family and friends. You may inspire another to try a new ‘something’ as well. So, as the bus leaves with your precious cargo on that first day of school, wipe the tears away (I always cry on the first day of school) and get going with your first day too. Good luck and have fun! |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 