1. Flexibility. In the transition from self-employed to retired, I need flexibility. To jump back into business mode when former clients reach out with questions and concerns, and to move ahead with re-shaping my future: changes in scheduling, habits, diet, routine, goals, etc. This is a transitional time, and I need to embrace it for what it is. 2. Why - Growth, foundations, transitions. Knowing the guidelines I implement today or this week may be temporary and need to be replaced or adjusted as this unfolds. As a student of routine, this is very difficult. 3. Who - Redefining who I am. For decades I have been the go-to guy, the one with answers, the expert. This is like walking into a completely different room, different environment. I see the opportunity to be myself and re-engage in old hobbies and enjoyment in the future. It isn't here just yet tho... 4. Obstacles - Frustration. This change and the accompanying new scenarios it brings is like trying to nail Jello to a wall. Nothing fits anymore. What worked last week now does not work. Worrying about former clients coming back on me for alleged mistakes, errors, omissions is a constant cloud that hangs over your head. It casts a pall over your planning and enthusiasm, paralyzes you with fear. I had an email from a client from a year ago, alleging errors in his Inspection. I have a 30 day warranty. It seems to make no difference to a client or their bottom-feeding lawyers as to my Terms and Conditions....throw it all against the wall and see what sticks. Always worrying about this is crippling. 5. When - Right now, trying to establish a new daily routine is "in a galaxy far, far away"... I can best manage this week by creating "to-do" lists and checking tasks off as I accomplish them. Seeing small steps on paper is reinforcing and positive. Lists are easy and effective. Tomorrow will bring about opportunity to be outside, working on the acreage, autos, in the garage, etc. since the weather will still be nice. Later this week when it cools off, I have plenty of projects for indoors. So at least minor planning in these areas is somewhat satisfying and can carry me through the rough spots.

Maureen with her husband Kevin and daughter Emilie at her preschool graduation. They live next door on our acreage. Kevin is a software engineer, Maureen is a dispatcher for Allo. Both Amateur Radio operators. Allen and Sarah, she has two daughters Alaena and Cloe, and they now have little Braelynn... so he is dealing with 4 girls in the household, along with two big dogs...organized chaos... they live in Palmyra, both on volunteer Fire Dept. She's a nurse, he sells roofing, windows, doors. Kyle and Karen, married this summer, live in Lincoln. She's a Physical Therapist working with stroke recovery at Madonna, he is a computer software engineer/troubleshooter. Moon, finally recovered from a broken pelvis after being hit by a car...she's a great companion and caretaker for our acreage. Keeps mice under control, gives snuggles, helps with the outside work. Me receiving an award for my volunteer work with Boy Scouts at the National Elks Convention in Kansas City last summer.

I am at Keto and heading for strict carnivore. I will be able to shift into that this month, I believe. I am trying to deplete my stocks of spoilable foods on hand before I shift into full carnivore. Sugars and grains are gone. Fruits and veggies are gone. Snacks I use hard boiled eggs and slim jim style jerky. Sams has both at reasonable prices. I use a fair amount of chicken, due to low cost, intertwined with beef, mostly ground. Real butter, salted, for frying. I use canned tuna, water pack and canned salmon. I usually don't eat before noon, and try not to eat after 6. That is a weak area right now, as I adjust to a new daily routine and deal with stressors from my company. As time goes on and that winds down, hopefully the business connected stress will disappear.

@Jason Reed Body comp. Weight is something I have battled for decades. I think that now I have complete control over my time, I can modify my lifestyle to accommodate new eating habits and mindset. Before it was too easy to run through a McD's and grab a $5 meal, to fend off hunger and deal with time pressure. I am now at a point where I can modify my exercise routine as well. There is a lot I want to change, but I am trying to pace myself, not try to change too much at once, but incrementally. I know I'll have better long term success if I do.

@Colleen Reed I just completed a 501C3 for a group I'm involved in. Not as hard as you think. I did incorporate first (standard corporation, not a subchapter S) filed with IRS for a TIN. Then it was a matter of filling out an online form. If your group takes in less than $25k a year in donations, you fill out Form 991 year end with IRS. It's a one page on line form that says, "yeah, we're small potatoes", and they don't care about you. Easy peasy.

@Colleen Reed Great idea, and a noble cause. There is a great need for low cost Vet services in the Lincoln area. Many people take their pets to neighboring small towns due to reduced fees. There is a group north of Auburn called "Hearts United for Animals" that is essentially a dog rescue and relocation service, but they provide low/no cost spay and neuter, and shots (rabies, etc.) They are always booked out for months. A Vet from Nebraska City volunteers one day a week doing spay/neuter and other surgeries as needed. They always need donations of food, old towels for bedding, etc. I've often thought that if the city, via license fees, etc, could give out vouchers for free spay and neuter, what an impact that would make on our pet overpopulation. The TNR program has helped immensely; people have no idea how many feral cat colonies are in the city. Good for you and I wish you well. Hope you keep all of us update on your progress as it unfolds.

My Win: Several. Realizing I have time to complete so many small projects, and larger ones too, the key is to get organized and implement. Finding that checklists work very well for me, and learning to plan down time/rest along with tasks and activities. Why it is hard - Starting a new chapter in life and tying the strings on the last one... Transition time. Excited to FINALLY have time/opportunity to accomplish so many personal goals. Slowing myself down, learning to be patient. I have spent so many years neglecting me and doing/caring/providing for others, it is very difficult to allow myself to realize it is OK for me to focus on....me. Feels selfish, yet I know I've earned it. Learning to rethink in that mindset. Why I'm glad - Hard not to be. I FINALLY have climbed the mountain of running a successful business, providing for my family and myself, was able to leave the race on my terms, go out on top of my (professional) game. Many times I wanted to quit before my target departure, but I stuck it out and finished on the target timeline. Not an easy task.

@Matt Kimmerling I admire that. That is one of my goals as well, to modify how I think of food, to tackle weight loss (once and for all with a lifestyle change, and now I have no barriers except the one between my ears...) I am interested in hearing about your food journey. Where you started, why you realized a change was needed, hurdles you had to overcome, and where you found the discipline to stick with it...