Empathy. If I can't put myself in someone's shoes, I can be an effective leader.

First, loved this conversation. I was talking with a friend the other day and she said that I sounded different. Like my happy self that has been missing for a bit. I told her of a recent convo with a new friend. We talked about travel, which had me reflect on two trips I had to Europe with a former employer. They were each 30 days of visiting many countries throughout. That had me reflect on the many personal and professional development opportunities I had in 13 years with them. It ended badly, I felt righteous indignation. Had to leave my home I loved and move to a new state. Today I am grateful. I have made a conscious decision to stay in Texas, not because I have to - I get to! I am now settling in to retirement. Meeting new people and making friends. Life is good when I embrace gratitude and presence. My whole attitude and outlook shifts. That's a big win. It took some time to get there.

This is a much different look at motivation, and I like it. In the past, whether at work or home, there was a process of goal setting and metrics. At work there was always the fear of not meeting goals - like the fear was the motivation. For the most part it worked. I didn't take vacation until the 4th quarter - after goals were met. Couldn't sit back and say, I don't feel like working toward that goal. Not a lot of beingness in that. When I started my transformation journey things slowly started to shift. It started showing up in connecting with people in a meaningful way. My motivation became less about the carrot, and more about being present in each interaction. I've been a bit lost in early retirement with what motivates me now. I don't really "have" to do anything but provide for me and the doggies needs. Perhaps there is something about safety there. I'll give that a think.

This has been something I have been consciously stepping in to. A corporate layoff mid 2025 had me in retirement earlier than planned. I wanted to work to 67, with 2 more years of earning and saving. I did not panic. Not for one minute (my sister did that for me.) There Universe has always supported and guided me. Trust and surrender is my new normal. Do I have enough retirement savings to last into old age? How old will I become? What about current economics? Should I move closer to family? There is no way of knowing these things. What I do know without a doubt is that God/Universe has always supported me. Guided me when I listen. Why would that stop now? It won't as long as I seek and listen. Trust and obey is my personal mantra. Not obey in the sense of external rules. Trust in the flow, the presence and when the path is shown to obey that. I won't know the why's, which is where Trust comes in. I did not want to leave North Carolina. I was in resistance, and closed off from guidance. When I surrendered, I was guided to Texas. The why was revealed when I got another infection in knee. I have had the best medical care here. I believe it saved my leg. Now? I live in a very affordable state. Another coincidence? I think not.

I have been struggling with it all. It is so much, rapid fire. Distracting me from my vision, values and goals. I unplug from news and social media from time to time. But also feel it is important to stay informed. So I've put some time and content guardrails on. Also have increased time spent outside, doing something creative and in meditation. It has helped calm my nervous system. I love what I am experiencing in this space. Support, encouragement and connection.