Mid Month Musings

This is a mini-post on some musings that reading various blog posts and listening to podcasts through the past month have stimulated. Spring-cleaning this year is about releasing reminders of a different era and a different persona. It was time to let go of old work papers and memorabilia. Finding out about a free Shred … Continue reading Mid Month Musings

What is retirement life really like?

When you’re transitioning into retirement with only a limited plan of what comes next, often voiced fears include what will I do and will I be bored.   The stereotypes for retirees and early retirees are no longer true, but are still firmly engrained: Retirees move south to golf everyday or spend time with the grandkids … Continue reading What is retirement life really like?

Life Metaphor

What life metaphor am I living?  And is that right for me now or do I want to change it? Recently the idea of life metaphor has emerged in various things I’m reading. When something pops a few times, it makes me want to explore it more!    My word of the year is SOAR … Continue reading Life Metaphor

Soaring A to Z

A number of blogging friends are engaging in the A to Z challenge in April.   The challenge is to post 26 times in the month on a single theme with postings aligning to the alphabet A to Z.   I love lists and have done A to Z lists before on things like Jolts of Joy … Continue reading Soaring A to Z

The Rhythm of Life

There is a rhythm that runs through your days. Your personal rhythm is almost second nature in how you manage your daily life. After 30+ years of working, it can be a bit choppy and chaotic, but there is still a daily rhythm.  You don't need to think about waking, eating, working, commuting, and maybe, … Continue reading The Rhythm of Life

Am I Different in Retirement?

Am I a “different me” in retirement? A while back, a FIRE blogger (Ms ONL) contemplated if she would fundamentally change in retirement. I initially commented to her that you are the same person after you retire that you were before. I pointed out to her that I had the same core values, the same … Continue reading Am I Different in Retirement?

Why do I (continue to) blog?

When I tell folks that I am a blogger, I am often immediately asked if I make money on it.  No, I’m not trying to monetize my blog. So, why do I continue to blog, if not for the money? What defines success? Is my blog a success?   First, let’s look at the numbers. … Continue reading Why do I (continue to) blog?

Activation Energy – A Personal Pep Talk

Part of my word-of-the-year includes the concept of activating. To SOAR, you need to take that first step, that leap of faith, that jump into the unknown.   I am finding it hard to activate some long-held to-do activities. This blog is a personal pep talk on discovering why I can't take that first step, and … Continue reading Activation Energy – A Personal Pep Talk

2017 in Review

I am using lots of tools to help me create a new retirement lifestyle — a vision statement & affirmations, a vision board for the year, a word of the year, and quarterly action plans with measures. Yes, some might consider this overkill, but my corporate workaholic tendencies are still alive and kicking. Also, as … Continue reading 2017 in Review

Year 3 – Top 10

I've passed my third anniversary of my retirement date (where did the time fly; I still feel like I’m in transition) and my second year of blogging (excited that I’ve passed the infamous 18-month drop-off line, even if I’m not hitting my one per week personal goal). I enjoy top 10 lists, and avidly read … Continue reading Year 3 – Top 10