As I got older and busier, had 1 kid, then 2, 3, then 4 reading became a luxury that I couldn’t afford. I had good intentions. I would buy a book, put it on my nightstand, and promise myself that I would read for a few minutes before bed each night, but it didn’t happen. Between busy days and evenings, bedtime routines, and prep for the next day, I got into bed, put on Seinfeld or The Office, and passed out. This went on for years. Then a couple of friends in my neighbourhood invited me to join a book club. I was excited, but also unsure if I could truly commit to reading a book a month and attending a weekday meeting, especially in between hockey tournaments, basketball games, and swimming lessons. I debated it, but eventually I said yes. Yes to reacquainting myself with a passion I allowed myself to let go of. Yes to spending time with intelligent women and having organized, stimulating conversations. And yes to having a glass of wine, snacks, and chatting with friends. It became the highlight of my month and the one thing I did for just me. For nearly a decade, book club has continued. We have lost and gained members. Our kids have gone from being children to teens to adults. We bond over books, parenting, menopause, and everything in between. It’s amazing that by saying yes, scheduling time for yourself, and making yourself a priority, you get a piece of yourself back that you may have temporarily lost because life happened. I have gotten so much from book club and hope it will continue as my friends and I go into the next phases of our lives. Find your book club any passion or hobby that you may have let go of, or one you have always wanted to try but haven’t gotten around to. Sign up for pickleball, learn to make pottery, take ballroom dancing lessons (my goal for this year). Whatever it is, say yes and schedule time for you.