Traditional budgets demand time, discipline, and perfection. Mine requires 10 minutes a week—and actually gets used. It was over 20 years ago that I discovered I needed to consider budgeting for real. Up until then, we kind of floated along. There were new jobs for both of us after graduation. Then came three kids, then the purchase of our first home. Then we moved back … [Read more...] about Why Most Budgets Fail in the First 7 Days (And What I Do in 10 Minutes Instead)
Self Care
The Most Dangerous Kind of Depression Doesn’t Look Like Depression at All
You show up. You perform. You smile. And because of that, no one—including you—realizes how much energy it takes just to keep going. Even though I am retired, I still spend time each day looking at my email. Often, someone is up before I am, so I am either making coffee or pouring myself a mug. While I don’t have a real calendar, I often make up a short to-do list on the … [Read more...] about The Most Dangerous Kind of Depression Doesn’t Look Like Depression at All
I Thought Therapy Was Today: A Lesson in Anger, Loneliness, and Emotional Growth
I went to bed after midnight and thought I was having therapy this morning. I woke up at 6 am and got up at 6:40 am. After going to the bathroom and making my bed, I went into the kitchen to make coffee. Then I took my phone and began to review last night’s emails and text messages. That’s when I realized that this is only Tuesday, and my Zoom therapy session is on … [Read more...] about I Thought Therapy Was Today: A Lesson in Anger, Loneliness, and Emotional Growth
The Beetle by the Pool and What Panama Is Teaching Me About Retirement
I am looking at a huge beetle climbing up beside the swimming pool. It moved slowly along the edge of the shadow and then turned and went down the step. I lost it when it moved so that my view of it was blocked by a hammock. Now it went up again. And when I looked up from typing, it was down again. It must be looking for food, not escape. One last thing about the … [Read more...] about The Beetle by the Pool and What Panama Is Teaching Me About Retirement
Retirement Day 5 – If You’ve Ever Rushed Through Life and Are Finally Slowing Down, This Story Is for You
I never expected to be wide awake by 2:00 AM on Day 4 of being retired. Nor did I expect finally slowing down to be a thing. Yet, there I was, staring at the ceiling while the entire world slumbered. It wasn’t until I made my way to the window that I saw something I hadn’t expected: snow in the mountains of Virginia. These quiet, early-morning snows seem to bring a … [Read more...] about Retirement Day 5 – If You’ve Ever Rushed Through Life and Are Finally Slowing Down, This Story Is for You
