Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Decions, decisions..and patience

A rainy day at the beach gives me time to think and research.  I love researching topics of interest.  Now that I am semi-retired and can't travel much, I have time to read all those files and papers that I have stored up.  To me it is fun and doesn't feel like work because the mission of helping children has never been work to me but rather a passion.

While I am trying to decide what the next decade of my life will be and having to take the time to be reflective since I can't actively engage, I am reading books like ENCORE which give me food for thought.  Do I want to go off in some direction entirely new to me...like my interest in real estate?    Do I want to go in to some kind of sales....I always blow the top off of those what line of work should you do ..always comes out with sales and marketing at the top.  But what would I sell that I am passionate about?  One thing I do know it will not be in health care!

Would it be fun to give away money instead of always being the one asking for it...I know I could make better decisions than some I have seen over the year by well intentioned folks.  Or do I want to ride the waves of uncertainty and just let life happen.

I do know that whatever I do when all this is over I want to travel and spend time with my grandkids.  They grow up way too fast and I don't want to miss it.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Tomorrow is my first grandchild's birthday.   I cannot believe it has been 10 years.  Her other grandma and I had our ears to the door as we anxiously awaited that tiny cry.  It had to be one of the most exciting days of my entire life.  I truly fell in love that day and have never had a single day that I have not thought of this sweet child who has brought me such joy.  I thought that I could never love like this again but realize that with each and every one of my special children comes new joy.  Until you become a grandma you never know this kind of love that overwhelms you.  Your days become so much better because just a thought of the grandkids brings a smile.

Now while little Emma turns 10 (actually one of my favorite ages)  I am looking forward to having some time with her this summer.  She has already told me that she wants to bring a friend to the beach.  They grow up too fast.


Saturday, March 9, 2013

Life certainly can throw us some curves.  I retired on January 31.  Plans in the works for years was to play golf and travel.  I did not anticipate that Scott would be terminally ill and that my life would center around being a caretaker.  I am not complaining...it is what it is.   When you get married it is for better or worse and in sickness and health.  I don't think we really think it about it that much on that exciting day but realize as time and years pass that those words take on a new meaning.

The time to think which I am not sure I had much of in recent years has given me pause to think about what is next after this transition.  I call it transition because it will also be a stage of my life not a permanent part of my life.

I also realize that I need to do something constructive.  Some of my immediate plans need to be put on hold and while I really want to coach, mentor and help other leaders across the country my travel is limited so rethinking what I can do to help without travel.

Watch for more blogging and other things coming down the pipe.  Need to be creative!

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Transitions

One more week of full time employment with CISNC. On Feb 1, I move to part time consultant and will start my own independent consulting firm. I will be offering primarily coaching and advising to non profit and education leaders, public speaking and some advocacy work. I hope that I can do a little teaching along the way too.

I am excited about my new venture. I will remain as a Senior Advisor to the CISNC team to ensure a smooth transition and help our outstanding new director get firmly established. It has always been said that one should leave when you are at the top...certainly I feel that I have reached the top of the mountain. This past year has been a bit challenging with Scott's medical issues but we have the best outcome report we ever had, raised the most money and have and incredible staff in place to help Eric take CIS to the next level.