Additional Thoughts on Friendship

One of the continuing challenges for me in retirement has been creating and maintaining connections/friendships.  I’ve stated before that when I left full-time working, I lost 80% of my daily connections.  While these were not necessarily all close friendships, they were connections that provided me with support, validation, advice, a sounding board, and inspiration. Intentional … Continue reading Additional Thoughts on Friendship

What tools and techniques am I still using?

When I first retired, I had no idea “what I was retiring to”.  The experts all said that was very important to know before you retired. But 55-60 hour work weeks with even my non-working hour’s mind-space occupied with work thinking didn't leave me very much time to figure out what that was. When I retired, … Continue reading What tools and techniques am I still using?

Becoming a Butterfly?

I find the analogy of a flower and butterfly a fun way of thinking about engagement at a gathering/party.   For many years, I was in awe of the butterfly personality at social gatherings.  They flit from flower (person) to flower (person), seem to know everyone, and look like they are really enjoy the gathering. … Continue reading Becoming a Butterfly?

Being Intentional about Friendship

A friend sent me an article about intentionality in friendship, saying it sounded a bit like me. (see link here) Actually, this described someone more anal than me when it comes to Intentional Connections!  I’m mentioned this many times, but when I retired, I lost 75% of my daily connections. Our Big Move to Florida … Continue reading Being Intentional about Friendship

A Look Back at a Joyful May

I’ve enjoyed reading a number of posts recently where individuals looked back at what was exciting and fun in the preceding month. Some folks look at their picture rolls – but I’m not yet taking pictures regularly! Some look at the gratitude lists – which made me realize I’ve not been that great on that … Continue reading A Look Back at a Joyful May

Updating My Thinking on Friendship

It always amazes me that when I start thinking on a blog topic, I begin seeing it talked about/written about everywhere. This synchronicity has happened recently on the topic of friendship. Relationships is a big component of retirement transition in general and one I focused heavily on at the beginning of my retirement as I … Continue reading Updating My Thinking on Friendship

Summer in Isolation

At 4 months into our self-isolation (ours began March 12th), like many, I am finding it challenging to create a new rhythm. Summer is always the time I think about doing things outside. And summer is definitely here, with high temps and high humidity. So, how does getting out and about look like right now? … Continue reading Summer in Isolation