Even during times of economic uncertainty, we have so much to be thankful for. Spending special time with relatives and friends results in warmth and stability. Preparing special foods for loved ones provides nurturing during stressful times. The simple connection with others gives us true meaning and purpose.
Many are suffering during these chaotic times. Reaching out to those less fortunate not only lends a helping hand, but makes us feel good about ourselves. Bringing gifts for a family of 11 will be our best 'gift' of the season. Knowing that a family in need will have happy holidays puts a smile on our face.
Let's take the time to make the simple connects with one another. Together we can be strong, and overcome any adversity. Having a simpler life with fewer 'things' can actually improve the quality of our lives. Reach out today to positively impact someone's life!
Joan
Friday, November 28, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Media Scare
In the last month, we've been interviewed by MarketWatch.com, Forbes.com, Time.com, NPR, and the St. Louis Pioneer Dispatch. Interestingly, all of them were interested in how the current economic crisis will impact retiring baby boomers. We'll be the first to admit that target dates for retirement and/or the need to work 'after retirement' looks different with the loss of 30-50% in retirement portfolios.
Having recognized that there may be more financial drivers to work longer, boomers still have choices to make. They have transferrable skills that can be applied to other careers, work environments or entrepreneurial opportunities. In other words, don't feel trapped. Find work that provides more meaning and satisfaction.
Yes, you'll need to spend some time thinking through what work 'fits' best for you. Also, you'll need to update your resume and interviewing skills. There are life/career coaches, books, and websites like ours, www.WhatsNextInYourLife.com, that can help. Seek the help you need to establish a more fulfilling, future plan for your life. Start today for a better tomorrow!
Joan & Stephen
Having recognized that there may be more financial drivers to work longer, boomers still have choices to make. They have transferrable skills that can be applied to other careers, work environments or entrepreneurial opportunities. In other words, don't feel trapped. Find work that provides more meaning and satisfaction.
Yes, you'll need to spend some time thinking through what work 'fits' best for you. Also, you'll need to update your resume and interviewing skills. There are life/career coaches, books, and websites like ours, www.WhatsNextInYourLife.com, that can help. Seek the help you need to establish a more fulfilling, future plan for your life. Start today for a better tomorrow!
Joan & Stephen
Monday, November 10, 2008
E#xpanded Family
Wow, what a weekend. My eldest son, Derek, and his girlfriend, Lesley, came to Destin for a visit. They have been discussing marriage for some time. Derek called on Tuesday to say that a FedEx package would arrive on Thursday morning. I cancelled my workout to make sure I didn't miss the delivery person. Yes, a beautiful diamond ring arrived.
On Saturday, Derek put the ring in his pocket trying to find the right moment to pop the question. We attended the Taste of the Beach event at Seaside which involved lots of people, wine and food. When we came back mid-afternoon, Lesley wanted to walk on the beach. Yes, the perfect spot to propose as the two of them stared out at the emerald-colored Gulf of Mexico.
My other son (Blake), sister (Barb), and brother-in-law (Bill) joined us for a champagne brunch in Rosemary Beach on Sunday morning. I was filled with joy as we toasted Derek and Lesley's engagement. Lesley is a beautiful, intelligent woman, and a perfect match for Derek. I am filled with love for them, and wish them happiness, health and prosperity for their future together. It will be interesting to see 'What's Next in Their lives.' For me, my love multiplies as our family expands!
On Saturday, Derek put the ring in his pocket trying to find the right moment to pop the question. We attended the Taste of the Beach event at Seaside which involved lots of people, wine and food. When we came back mid-afternoon, Lesley wanted to walk on the beach. Yes, the perfect spot to propose as the two of them stared out at the emerald-colored Gulf of Mexico.
My other son (Blake), sister (Barb), and brother-in-law (Bill) joined us for a champagne brunch in Rosemary Beach on Sunday morning. I was filled with joy as we toasted Derek and Lesley's engagement. Lesley is a beautiful, intelligent woman, and a perfect match for Derek. I am filled with love for them, and wish them happiness, health and prosperity for their future together. It will be interesting to see 'What's Next in Their lives.' For me, my love multiplies as our family expands!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Don't Retire from World Affairs
Don't 'retire' from world affairs. Sure, you may wish for a life of leisure after many years of hard work. Having said that, we live in a global economy where we are co-dependent on other nations and people. Our current banking/credit crisis is just one more reminder of how our economies are interlinked. The potential (probably real) global recession will impact us significantly.
Solutions will also be global in nature. As we talk with others, our common goals should become obvious. Yes, we might approach things differently, but most people agree that we must work to help all people climb Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Let's work to provide food, clothing, housing, and health care for all nations. One of our friends leaves for Haiti to build houses this weekend. Another will fly to India in 10 days to help impoverished women set up self-supporting businesses.
Each of us will be challenged to find a way to help. Together, we can make the seemingly impossible happen. How can you help?
Joan & Stephen
Solutions will also be global in nature. As we talk with others, our common goals should become obvious. Yes, we might approach things differently, but most people agree that we must work to help all people climb Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Let's work to provide food, clothing, housing, and health care for all nations. One of our friends leaves for Haiti to build houses this weekend. Another will fly to India in 10 days to help impoverished women set up self-supporting businesses.
Each of us will be challenged to find a way to help. Together, we can make the seemingly impossible happen. How can you help?
Joan & Stephen
Friday, October 17, 2008
What's Next in Your Life?
Stephen and I spent most of this week in Kansas City where we had two book signings, gave a talk on 'What's Next In Your Life,' and were interviewed on TV. What amazed me were the number of people that felt this discussion is more important today than ever before. I honestly believed that our message would be lost with all the financial chaos that is surrounding us.
After some reflection, it occurred to me that 'planning life after 50' is positive while providing a sense of control over our lives. As the media continues to fuel economic panic in the American public, people want and need to plan for a brighter future. As we presented, I wanted to empower the audience to take positive steps in their own career and life planning.
I truly believe that we have choices in terms of our work and leisure activities. Even if we have to work longer due to losses in the market, we can do work that aligns well with our passions and interests. Finding a well-aligned job (or volunteer work), will lead to greater satisfaction and fulfillment. We deserve to have 'fun' in the work we do each and every day. Are you planning for your future? What work fits best for you?
After some reflection, it occurred to me that 'planning life after 50' is positive while providing a sense of control over our lives. As the media continues to fuel economic panic in the American public, people want and need to plan for a brighter future. As we presented, I wanted to empower the audience to take positive steps in their own career and life planning.
I truly believe that we have choices in terms of our work and leisure activities. Even if we have to work longer due to losses in the market, we can do work that aligns well with our passions and interests. Finding a well-aligned job (or volunteer work), will lead to greater satisfaction and fulfillment. We deserve to have 'fun' in the work we do each and every day. Are you planning for your future? What work fits best for you?
Thursday, October 9, 2008
The World Has Changed
I can't believe it. No one was predicting a crash in the banking industry and credit markets just three weeks ago. The thought of losing $2 trillion in retirement funds in the recent past is unimaginable. Many folks have seen their retirement investments shrink 20-33% in the last year. What does this mean to you?
Some will need to work longer than expected. They say that it will take an extra year of employment for every 3 years of retirement. Does that mean you have to do the same job you have done in the past? NO! There are other options. We still believe that this is the age of choice. You can find new ways to use you skills and knowledge in environments that better fit your needs. Skills are transferable.
The current financial challenges should be an incentive to better plan for your future. Take the time to think through what 'work' will provide the most meaning in your life. Where can you have impact? Where can you make a difference? Don't wait to plan your future. It's more critical now than in ever in the past.
Joan
Some will need to work longer than expected. They say that it will take an extra year of employment for every 3 years of retirement. Does that mean you have to do the same job you have done in the past? NO! There are other options. We still believe that this is the age of choice. You can find new ways to use you skills and knowledge in environments that better fit your needs. Skills are transferable.
The current financial challenges should be an incentive to better plan for your future. Take the time to think through what 'work' will provide the most meaning in your life. Where can you have impact? Where can you make a difference? Don't wait to plan your future. It's more critical now than in ever in the past.
Joan
Monday, September 29, 2008
Life After Trauman
Life is so precious. Stephen's freak accident still haunts us. The recovery is going slow, and we still are processing the event itself as well as our future together. The month of October will be devoted to aggressive hand therapy. The doctor says the movement we get in the next 3-4 weeks will likely be all that we can expect. That being the case, we are dropped other commitments to focus on his FULL recovery.
Just when I start feeling sorry for us, I bump into someone with no arms. Instantly, our challenges look small. Stephen is quick to add that surviving the accident was the best gift of all. Whatever lies ahead we promise to handle well. Learning to live with chronic pain shows Stephen's commitment to live life fully.
Today is a sunny, warm day in Destin. I leave shortly for a consulting assignment in another city. Every minute I have with Stephen is a gift. Spending time with loved ones brings priceless joy in all of our lives. Enjoy the day with someone special!
Joan
Just when I start feeling sorry for us, I bump into someone with no arms. Instantly, our challenges look small. Stephen is quick to add that surviving the accident was the best gift of all. Whatever lies ahead we promise to handle well. Learning to live with chronic pain shows Stephen's commitment to live life fully.
Today is a sunny, warm day in Destin. I leave shortly for a consulting assignment in another city. Every minute I have with Stephen is a gift. Spending time with loved ones brings priceless joy in all of our lives. Enjoy the day with someone special!
Joan
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