As women, we are constantly taking care of things—our families, our work, homes, friends, etc. As a result, even our basic needs and wants often fall last on the list. This means we barely finish the things we need to do each day, much less the things we want to do. Let’s change that and take the time to do things that make us feel happy and fulfilled for a change. Learning to golf can be one of those things—a game of our own to master and meet new friends while we do it. The first and most important step in this journey is to give permission to ourselves to do something fun. It’s time to say “yes” to ourselves and to golf.

When was the last time you said to yourself, “I don’t have a thing to do today?” Was it the third grade?

If you’re like me, your to-do list is endless—work, bills, house cleaning and maintenance, shopping, food, workouts, doctors appointments, etc.  Then there are the truly important things—the relationships in our lives we need to nurture, and the kids we need to love, feed, clothe, bathe, and cart around the planet.

In light of all of this, let’s say that one day you get the crazy notion that you want to (drum roll, please…) learn to golf. Maybe you see your husband play it (all the time) and you want to join the fun. Maybe some of your friends golf, and you want to be able to play with them. Perhaps you’re tired of saying no to the “social committee” for the annual company outing, embarrassed that you have no idea how to play. It could also be that you simply want to learn how to golf because you do.

With all of the reasons above—and perhaps a few more—swirling around in your head, you begin your research. You investigate local instructors and ask your friends for the low-down on clubs, courses, and clothing. In other words, you look into what it would take to really go for it.

BUT WAIT! In the midst of your research, you remember, “I have no free time!” Thoughts of work, family, and life all start to creep in your head, making you think you’re nuts to consider doing something like this for yourself.

I’m here with some good news. You can fit golf in your busy schedule. How? It’s simple. Give yourself permission. Just like you sign permission slips for your kids to do every activity under the sun, sign one for yourself. Just like you reserve time for all of the other people and tasks in your life, reserve time for an activity that you’d like to try. I promise it’s not going to hurt you or cause psychological harm to your kids. It’s actually good for everyone. Just like the airlines tell us to put on our oxygen masks before we help our children, the same goes for having a general sense of life fulfillment. We need to remember that it’s okay to pursue our interests. It’s how we meet new people, learn new things, and bring joy to our lives. We just need to give ourselves permission to go for it.

So today, why not get out your to-do list, grab a sharpie (so you can’t erase it), and add, “learn to golf” to the mix. Here’s a little secret—that list item is also code for the following:

  • Learn a lifetime sport
  • Meet new friends who could become “your golf people”
  • Get exercise
  • Add cute clothes to your wardrobe
  • Give yourself well-deserved “me time”

Note that the last one is the most important. So please, go ahead.  Do it today, for you. I promise that when you’re done, your to-do list will still be there, but a fresher, happier you will be there to tackle it.