I had thought things were getting better in my nearly 15-month post-retirement life. I felt like I had created a new structure to replace the one I had lost and I was keeping up with friends and family. I had the new effort with the story sharing potlucks and enjoyed getting it all set up. However, lately I struggled with disappointments. Sometimes it was people who didn’t follow through. Sometimes it was unmet expectations. But it got me questioning if I was on the right track. Was I wasting my time? Did anyone still value me and my efforts?

I admit that I was on a new medication that had tilted my axis and my LPR has resurged, making a good night’s sleep non-existent. We had been traveling a lot and felt exhausted, wishing I had not arranged so many trips back-to-back.

I am taking time this week to look back on my expectations and to ask if they are realistic. I am trying to shift my mindset to realize that there is not just one transition going on. I am reading the book Life is in the Transitions by Bruce Feiler. Only half-way through it and just got to the application part, which is what colleagues of mine are using as their basis for ongoing workshops. But the main takeaway so far for me is that this period in my life will probably consist of multiple transitions, some major and some minor, as we adjust to constant change – just me being retired, us both being retired, potentially moving, dealing with health issues, managing interactions and expectations with family and friends, etc. My experience with facilitation constantly brings me back to the benefit of good quality questions that get to the heart of the matter. My ability to adapt and practice resilience (thanks to nearly a decade as a Navy wife almost 40 years ago, definitely not an innate talent) will serve me well in the next decades.

This morning I woke with the beginnings of a migraine and could not get back to sleep. Playing solitaire with real cards helps when I have a headache or just need to unwind. I was philosophically comparing my game to my life. Whether I win or lose, I reshuffle the cards each time and play with the hand given me. Isn’t that the same with these transitions? I can always start over, working from where I am and what I have. You would think that would be discouraging but I relish both a challenge and a new start, so I think I will be ok.

Nothing earth shattering – just sifting through the current chaos. Did want to remind you we have a Food, Friends & Fellowship story sharing potluck coming up this Sunday. The topic is travel! If interested in attending, you can register on Eventbrite – look for Food, Friends & Fellowship in King George, Virginia. Hope to see you there!