I have been giving a lot of thought to how I will spend my time when I retire. As I ponder ideas, a quote painted on the wall of a local yoga studio comes to mind.
Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? – Mary Oliver
This question gives me pause every time I see it and frankly, also makes me a bit uncomfortable. As I enter my sixties, time feels very precious and I want to be intentional about how I choose to spend it. I often ask myself how I can use the skills and knowledge that I have acquired over my lifetime to do good in the world.
Careers
I have had several careers and myriad experiences over 40 years including: software developer, researcher, stay-at-home mom, volunteer and entrepreneur. When I think about the various roles I’ve had, I realize I derived the most satisfaction when I was able to have a direct impact on people’s lives, help my community or protect the environment. I’m still trying to figure out what future vocation might check those boxes. It may end up being more than one thing.
This Point Forward
I met Mary Thompson, one of the founders and executive directors of This Point Forward, at a networking event. As we spoke and I learned more about This Point Forward, I knew that I wanted to be involved in the organization. I am so happy to have found a group of like-minded individuals who seek to help others wrestling with the same questions I am. The organization aims to help people make the next phase of their lives the best phase.
This Point Forward has developed a broad variety of workshops to fulfill its mission. The ones I’m most looking forward to attending are Capitalizing on your Dependable Strengths, Find Your Flow, Navigating Transitions, Imagine Your Life Without Limits, Civic Engagement Through Influence Management, and Creating Gig Volunteer Opportunities.
Please join us as you seek to “make the next phase of your life the best phase.”
