Find something that you can do slow, that you can do forever and still love it, that still gives you meaning.” – Christina Koch, Artemis II astronaut Why do I need purpose after I retire? Can’t I spend the rest of my days enjoying my life – just living it? What’s wrong with that? I… Continue reading Why Do I Need Purpose?
Category: Happier Me
Unlearning To Live With My Cup At Capacity
I know that it’s not healthy to live with my cup at capacity all the time, with my nervous system fully activated. There are good reasons why I’ve ignored the overwhelm and continued to push through, such as supporting someone through illness, or teaching through a pandemic. However, when the immediate crisis was over and… Continue reading Unlearning To Live With My Cup At Capacity
A Cat, A Dog, And Routines That Stick
I resist a routine at the same time as really craving one. It’s a paradox that became glaringly obvious when I left the schedule of full-time work. When I retired, I both loved the flexibility of doing whatever I liked with a day, while at the same time feeling lost when I drifted without focus.… Continue reading A Cat, A Dog, And Routines That Stick
The Thrill Of Learning A New Skill
What’s a skill that you were thrilled to learn last year? I am delighted to have just finished knitting my second pair of socks. I really surprised myself with how much satisfaction I got from this, and how proud I am for creating a fun, wearable, item. It Happened “Out Of The Blue” Last year,… Continue reading The Thrill Of Learning A New Skill
Reclaiming My Holiday Spirit
My holiday spirit is slowly returning after an all-time low several years ago. I was resentful of all the obligations of the season. I was burnt out from teaching during a pandemic. I was numb. It’s taken years of intentional changes to get here. But this December, I don’t feel panicked and overwhelmed for the… Continue reading Reclaiming My Holiday Spirit
What Do You Reach For In Stressful Times?
I’m rekindling part of my cultural heritage, in times of stress. Recently, I was reading a wonderful book about building resilience by deepening your relationship with your body. Who doesn’t want to be able to bounce back a bit more often from the stress and tension of everyday life? (I’ll link the book below.*) I’m… Continue reading What Do You Reach For In Stressful Times?
Productivity Reframe
Doing something useful with my time is something I value. It feels good to be productive. There’s a feeling of satisfaction when I get to the end of the day and look back at projects completed. My time wasn’t wasted. It’s my personal values and beliefs that determine what’s useful and whether I’ve spent my… Continue reading Productivity Reframe
The Capability Trap
Just because I have the capability to do something doesn’t mean I have the capacity. This is a lesson that hit me suddenly, and keeps reverberating as I continue to grow my business. The Wake-Up Call It was a simple email that did it. Someone sent me a work email late in the evening… Continue reading The Capability Trap
Life Balance Is A Moving Target
Life balance is a moving target. No one secures a bullseye in life balance. Our life circumstances are too changeable and varied from one week to the next. However, it is a worthy target to aim for because it keeps us readjusting and moving in a direction that feeds us with energy and keeps us… Continue reading Life Balance Is A Moving Target
A Passion Project Is For You
Why do we feel we need to justify our passion projects? “I’m writing this memoir for the grandkids.” “I’m making these quilts as a legacy for my children.” Did we ask them? Probably not. A passion project is for you. Creating anything is primarily for the creator’s benefit: to express themselves, to develop their skills,… Continue reading A Passion Project Is For You
Retired, And Now What? 