Rhythms, Routines, or Ruts?

I’ve created a number of new routines since retirement. Hubby’s recent knee replacement surgery disrupted a number of them.  I began to wonder, were my new routines a new life rhythm or were they actually ruts, as in an inability to be flexible? Of course, I explored the concept of routines and ruts on line. … Continue reading Rhythms, Routines, or Ruts?

To Be, To Do, Do-be-do-be-do

I am a huge proponent of To-Do Lists. I get stressed if there’s not a list of things for me to do, even if it’s all just possibilities. If it’s not written down on a list, I totally forget about it. I’ve even added in a new tool this year, an I-Did-It List (link to … Continue reading To Be, To Do, Do-be-do-be-do

Am I Failing at Flunking?

I read an article the other day that had me wondering about retirement again. The article was about the positive side of flunking retirement! The article’s research (link here) indicated that, “Only 44% of the people who stop working ever consider themselves to be happy in retirement.”  So apparently 56% of people should actually “flunk … Continue reading Am I Failing at Flunking?

Acceptance – An Unchosen WOTY

Back in January, I contemplated a Word of the Year choice (link to post here).  Over the years, I’ve used a WOTY a few times to really help me shift mindset.  The years I choose Joy, Soar, Release were all extremely helpful.  JOY in 2016 (link here) really helped me focus on finding joy in … Continue reading Acceptance – An Unchosen WOTY

How do I regard retirement now?

I still read a number of articles about retirement and retirement transition. I’m not 100% sure why – yes, it’s the name of my blog, but I’m going on 10 years retired now and 9 years writing a retirement transition blog!  I’ve said retirement, like life, is full of transitions. But recently I wondered, how … Continue reading How do I regard retirement now?

May Review – I Did It

My new tool this year is a monthly look back to celebrate the things I did in the month. I realized that I too often let milestones slip by without recognition, do not fully appreciate the life I’m living, and can spiral down into a negative compare & despair or I’m not enough mindset. I … Continue reading May Review – I Did It

Overthinking – It’s All Relative, Think Differently

I feel I need to introduce myself as, “Hi, I’m Pat. I’m an overthinker.”  I struggle to shut down the critical thinker side of myself, the one who continues to judge practically everything. The one who second guesses the past, and “what if’s” the future. And too often concludes I’m not enough. We live in … Continue reading Overthinking – It’s All Relative, Think Differently

Summer is Here Already!

When does summer begin?  When I was a kid, it was when school let out, which was mid to late June. In college, that end of school timing moved to the middle of May. In astronomical terms, the start of summer can be defined very precisely: it begins on the summer solstice, which occurs on … Continue reading Summer is Here Already!

Heart’s Desires

In the transition into retirement, it is often said to spend time and better understand yourself to help define what your best retirement will look like. When I first retired, I spent time getting a deeper understanding of myself, and have often encouraged others to do that as well. Yet I have found myself questioning, … Continue reading Heart’s Desires

April Reflection – I Did It

I began doing a Monthly “I Did It” List this year to help me focus on celebrating the life I am living. I am prone to a Compare & Despair mindset. I often feel like milestones or achievements pass without recognition. I often think I’m not “doing enough,” as if there’s a need to be … Continue reading April Reflection – I Did It