I am excited and nervous about the kickoff of our Story Sharing Potluck here in Virginia Thursday evening. We have a small group signed up and I am very grateful. This reminds me of what I encourage my clients to do – to step out and experiment and see if it works for me. You might be surprised how often I have to turn my advice back on myself and remember that in this stage of our life, we need to be intentional about reaching out to others and trying something new.

I am finalizing my part in tomorrow’s program, explaining the “WHY” I am starting this non-profit, what it is based on, and how it is important to everyone, but especially to those embarking on their post-career phase, and what I believe I will need for it to flourish. Recently I heard Sue Heilbronner, author of Never Ask for the Sale, during a Mid-Atlantic Facilitation Network (MAFN) Community of Practice, talk about the power of passionate ambivalence. Her advice is to not worry about the outcome but focus on the excitement and purpose that we bring, and this will draw others to us. Am I afraid of this not working? Yes! However, I am engaged and have an energy for this vision that I have not had in a long time. I am trusting that the people that are meant to come alongside me to make this real will be there, maybe not today, but soon. The tagline that has stuck is “Be Curious. Be Kind.” My goal is to keep this a safe space where connections can happen.

I participated in the Retirement Coaches Association Spring Symposium in March and was blessed to learn so much and connect with others who share my passion. Although all of the workshops fed my need for learning and development, the two that really spoke to me were on Place Planning and with an End-of-Life Doula. Ryan Frederick, the author of Right Place Right Time, discussed the four quadrants that we need to consider when deciding to move or stay put – environment, health, community, and finances. His work on www.Here.Life includes an assessment and resources that provide a framework and process to make these important, life-changing decisions. I attended another of his presentations this past Tuesday and hope to be part of his new certification program that will enable me to help my clients make better-informed choices that serve them both today and in the future.

Marni Blank, a certified after loss consultant, grief coach, and end-of-life doula, and the founder of Begin with the End (End-of-Life Planning, Caregiver & After Loss Support | Begin With The End), highlighted many of the points I made recently in my chapter “I Don’t Want to Be a Burden: Burden Proof Retirement” for an upcoming retirement-focused book. She made a profound statement that resonated with me and which I plan to use often: Planning in advance is an act of love. She also shared how to discuss these sensitive topics in a way not to put everyone in a defensive mode. Marni encouraged us to show up with curiosity instead of judgment. There was so much in that conversation – too much to cover in this blog – but subjects I want to cover in the future.

It is a busy week for me, with me working at the winery and elections, attending workshops and offsites, and getting this kickoff going. One of my current roles is on the Board of Directors for the Mid-Atlantic Facilitation Network (MAFN.org) where I am helping with the upcoming elections to our board. If you are interested in becoming a better facilitator, this is an amazing group of professionals who care about the craft. We all facilitate at some point in our lives – as parents, as bosses, as leaders – and their workshops are very affordable and of high quality. If you are looking for a leadership role in your primary role as facilitator, coach, or trainer, please consider joining MAFN and running for one of the vacant roles.

Favor to ask – please be sending good thoughts, energy, and prayers towards me and my efforts this week. Would love to hear if anything I wrote about has interested or inspired you.