At the end of June 2020, I celebrated ten years of retirement! It’s been a time for retrospection and also for looking ahead. I remember so well walking out of my office. I was relieved to be done with achieving and striving to fulfill the multitude of expectations that comprise the work of a leader […]
Time for you
Do you squander precious retirement time?
For many people, retirement means freedom. Freedom from work and freedom from schedules. Freedom to live on one’s own terms and freedom to do as you please. It’s time to sleep when you want, eat when you want, and do what you want. That we can do as we wish every day is certainly true. […]
Can a positive attitude help you face winter?
It’s mid-January. Earlier this week ‘blue’ Monday occurred. This third Monday of January is deemed the most depressing day of the year. Whether it’s blue Monday, January doldrums, or winter blahs, at this time of year it’s difficult to stay motivated and energized. For many who live in the Northern Hemisphere, the holiday cheer faded […]
Unpacking Christmas Memories
Every day of December brings an opportunity for unpacking Christmas memories. Through this month most of us have a schedule filled with preparations, events, invitations, and celebrations of every kind. Many celebrations represent traditions that remind us of family history and link us to our culture. During the past few days, I’ve indulged in reminiscing. […]
Retirement Happiness — End of Summer Thoughts
In three weeks, the fall equinox will mark the end of summer. Many deem Labour Day weekend the official end of summer but I’m prepared to wait until September 22 to declare that summer is over. Endings are always difficult, especially when it marks the passage of a happy and carefree time period. […]
Positive Self Talk
Do you practise positive self talk? Is there an inner voice in your head with a running commentary that helps you to feel good about yourself? Or, is the commentary critical and negative? Everyone talks to themselves — sometimes quietly and sometimes out loud. Because self talk influences self confidence and self esteem, the way […]
Last Chance to Create the Life you Love
Last week, as I chatted with one of my beach friends, she commented that retirement represents a last chance to create a life you love. She talked about her retirement journey and expressed longing for the day when her husband finally retires. She spoke of plans for relocating to a warmer climate to enjoy beach […]
Retirement Happiness — Designing my Summer
Hurray — summer has arrived! This is the time to delight in every moment, take advantage of the long days, break out the beach umbrellas, serve flavoured ciders on ice, and barbecue every day. Because it’s so easy to let this precious season pass without paying attention, I’m taking the advice of Gretchen Rubin, my […]
There are Babies at our House!
What a welcome surprise to have babies at our house! When we returned from the cottage after the May long weekend, we noticed that the landscaper had trimmed some of the shrubs. One large shrub outside our bedroom window had a knob of branches and leaves on top. I wondered how this spot could have […]
Death of a friend
A friend and former colleague died today. I dedicate this blog post to her memory. I met this lady 39 years ago when she came for a job interview at the children’s mental health centre where I worked at the time. She got the job and worked at that institution through her career seeing countless […]
