What do you check in with to keep you going?

I'm especially happy to be taking time to ponder the Monday Coffee Break today because – you guys – I missed my book club yesterday.

I missed it.

This book club has been going on for about six years now, and I've been a part of it for three years. It is a monthly set-up (yes, with wine) alternating between fiction and non-fiction. This week's discussion was over Aziz Ansari's Modern Romance. It's really too bad, because I have a lot to say about the dating scene in our technological era. We will get to that another time, I'm sure.

The reason I bring this up is because I think it's incredibly important to have something to check in to that involves other people. Many of us refresh with solitary time, like taking baths or lone mornings on the porch or balcony. Do you have someone you can check in with? Book clubs aren't for everyone, so I made an idea list. I'd love to hear if any of you have anything to add or if you've enjoyed these with a regular group of people.

Poker night

Supper club

Weekend barbecue

Watching a team throughout a season

Gardening

Activities on the lake

Parenting groups

Weekly Skype or Facetime with a best friend

Knitting group

Game night

Breastfeeding support group

Discovering new breweries and distilleries

Exercise buddies

Though fall is my favorite season, there is no escaping the fact that winter is coming (ahem), and surviving a Chicago winter is much easier with some human connection to count on.