Now that the fireworks are over and summer is starting to heat up, perhaps you are looking for a few new ideas about how to get out as a single person and meet new people who enjoy doing what you do? Or maybe you are facing down another month of trying to find new things to do with the kids, or just looking for a way to change up the old routine, but on a limited budget? Well, read on, I have a few suggestions that may prove helpful to you!
Do you speak a foreign language? Enjoy getting out to movies? Write your own songs? Like to hike, ride a bike, practice yoga, run or rock climb? Do you enjoy woodworking, knitting, kayaking, Reiki massage? Or maybe you want to learn a new hobby but don't know where to start? Well, if you haven't discovered the amazing concept called meetup groups yet, now is definitely the time! Just go to www.meetup.com, click on your city and sign up! All the groups are free, or charge a nominal annual fee of a few dollars at most. I love to hike, yet have no friends willing to scale up a mountain; so being a single woman, I have always had a great time on meetup hikes, where I basically just show up – the group of friends are pre-arranged – what fun!
Are you an exercise buff, but are put off by the high cost of gym memberships, yoga and Pilates classes? Well, check out www.lululemon.com for a monthly calendar of free classes, offered both weekend mornings as well as weekday evenings, including a running club. The clothes are pricey, but the classes are free – enjoy!
So now you have gratis options for meeting others, keeping the kids amused and getting back into shape, but what about your emotional and spiritual health? How about a Twelve Step Program? They are free, anonymous, and exist in a variety of flavors, depending on your affliction – from overeating, to alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, co-dependence, gambling or debting. Whatever ails you, Twelve Step programs have been proven to help people from all walks of life to not only break addictive habits, but also to learn how to live a fulfilling, balanced life full of loving relationships. There are no dues or fees for membership, and anyone and everyone who identifies is welcome, no questions asked! (Please see Barb Rogers' article, 7/1/2010)
[Lee Ann Edwards, graduate of Yale University, is a multi-lingual, native Pasadenan. As a NASM-certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Counselor, she is the owner of Rose City Wellness, which offers Cardio Fit classes, private training and nutrition counseling in your home. Lee Ann is available for workshops on yoga, weight loss and nutrition. Contact her at (626) 807-8220 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and visit her website: www.rosecitywellness.com for information on her upcoming free workshop on nutrition, exercise and wellness.]
