Season's Greetings

Blessings to you this day, and hopes for a better 2026.

I rested this blog for most of the month as I wrapped up my over-extended 2025. December provided me time for introspection and planning.

Prior to my retirement, countless people warned me that my life was about to become busier than it had ever been during my working years. I recognized truth in that, but I thought that the big difference, the one that would make life wonderful, would be that I’d be busy with doing the things I’d always wanted to do but never had the time.

Indeed, upon retirement, things started out that way. I took up contra dancing. I restrung and began playing the dulcimer that had sat on a shelf since the 1970s. I dusted off my guitar. I sang in the choir. I planted a garden and kayaked nearby lakes. I volunteered at our local community theater and even acted in a play. I joined the board of a couple of nonprofit organizations. I checked several items off my bucket list. Most importantly, I started writing, joined a couple of writers groups, and began sharing my stories with small groups and at open mic gatherings. I even started a blog and a Substack newsletter.

Now, a few years into all of this, the novelty has worn off. My calendar is always packed full, and some of those commitments have become more chore than fun. I’ve volunteered for many worthy causes, and more such opportunities keep popping up. I love to help with important causes and community activities, but I am absolutely exhausted.

During the extended period before I could wear my glasses again after my November surgery, I realized I’d almost stopped writing because of all of those other activities. I still have at least three more books in me, maybe four. They are not going to write themselves—and I’m not going to live forever.

It’s time to prioritize and focus. I’m trying to do this systematically, decreasing the number of activities unrelated to my biggest priorities, and increasing my focus on those at the top.

This isn’t to say I won’t help out with things I’ve volunteered for in the past; I’m just scaling back. I’m betting I’ll enjoy them more this way.

You’ll be hearing more about this as the new year approaches. But for now . . .

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

#peaceonearth #peaceofmind #priorities #focus #merrychristmas

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