Even approaching 10 years in retirement, I still stumble over answering the question, “What do you do?’ For 30+ years, my total identity was singular and tied to my career, to what I did. I was a Products Researcher at P&G. [For those not familiar with the Corporate lingo, that’s a product designer for Procter … Continue reading Should I Join the Multi-Hyphenate Identity Trend?
I have not picked a WOTY (Word of the Year) for a number of years, but put serious thought into doing one again for 2024. I enjoy reading what words others pick and why. I enjoy watching how those words play out over the year. I’ve had success using a WOTY before – JOY one … Continue reading Around and Around on a WOTY
Volunteering is often a large part of many retirement plans. It’s assumed you now have time to donate! But, I’ve struggled with this concept as I was never engaged pre-retirement with any volunteering and therefore had no relationship with any organization. I didn't have any deep desire – to teach ESL, to read to children, … Continue reading Volunteering in Retirement
The last couple of months I had a number of posts talking about various situations I was struggling with. First, I want to express thanks to all for the heartfelt comments on those posts – perspective, insights, commiseration, virtual hugs, and advice (even if I didn't take it, I did consider it!) The comments helped … Continue reading A Follow-up/Wrap-up Post
In November, there were many “what am I grateful for” lists in line with the Thanksgiving holiday (here in the USA). I always enjoy reading these lists and they inspire my own list thinking/making. Gratitude is also one of the positivity practices that I am working on using more often to help with my negative reactive … Continue reading Gratitude Lists
It’s been said that for many, a blog is an on-line diary. Although I try and keep my blog on topic of its name (retirement transition), it does reflect the state of my life. So here is a look back at my 2023 life, through my blogging lens. I did have a number of posts … Continue reading A Year in Review – Through a Blogging Lens
Finding new connections is often a large element of retirement transition. Many people lose a sense of belonging, as they no longer have their work/career connections. A move to a new location, another element often in retirement, can exacerbate this feeling of not belonging. Having a feeling of belonging has always been a challenge for … Continue reading How Can I Feel a Sense of Belonging?
Habits. I’ve been seeing random quotes about habits recently. It’s always intriguing to me when a repeat message shows up. What is the Universe trying to tell me about habits? Here’s two that stuck in my head: You become what you habitually do. Optimism is a learned habit. Why is it that dropping good habits is … Continue reading A Look at Habits
It still surprises me to be able to be wearing shorts and t-shirts in early to mid November. It doesn’t quite feel like the autumn days I recall in my years of living in the lower mid-west. But, fall has finally arrived with overnight lows hovering at 65F and days still approaching 80F. This time … Continue reading Fall is Finally Here
When I retired, I didn't think I had any hobbies or many outside of work interests. Being a workaholic had me working too many hours and then off-work hours, still being in the mental space of work with work-based reading or thinking about projects. But I’ve recently come to the awareness that I was an amateur gardener … Continue reading A Retirement Hobby
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