Strategically Speaking…

Welcome back to SOLO at SIXTY!

We are still in the thankful month of November. Did you take time to think of one thing you were thankful for each day? Can you believe how blessed we all are?

I spent last week in Williamsburg, VA – Strategic Planning for work. Fall was in the air as we arrived to cold, rainy weather. Luckily,  the weather cleared and I was so thankful to be able to run on the beautiful property. We do get time to workout because, after all, we are a health club! It is always such fun and very productive to get together with teammates from all of our clubs to plan for the next year, set our goals, and brainstorm on how we can better ourselves and our clubs. I work with great people.

Meeting site!

Beautiful views…

My room’s view…

For one of our sessions, we took a “test” on Emotional Intelligence. Supposedly there were NO wrong answers, but somehow I had to repeat my test. Just saying. I scored very high on Happiness and Optimism, but very low on Adaptability – imagine that! Remember? I really do not like change!

“If Plan A didn’t work, remember there are 26 more letters.”

Strategic planning started me thinking about what plans I have for my life. Obviously, Plan A did NOT pan out like I thought! I had to regroup and figure out Plan B and how I was going to live my life in my new status – SOLO.  Luckily for me, the big decisions were already figured out for me: where I was going to live and where I was going to work. I was already moving into a new home (which I love), in a maintenance free neighborhood – perfect for a SOLO lady! Thankfully, I had a good job surrounded by supportive and caring teammates. With the big decisions settled, I had to decide HOW I was going to live my life. Was I going to crawl back in bed, pull the covers over my head and feel sorry for myself? Or was I going to look at this new “status” as an opportunity to discover what life really has to offer? I wanted to live with NO REGRETS. I would try to take the high road in dealing with my situation, as hard as that might be (and trust me, it was difficult at times). I would concentrate on my kids and myself. And I did. I did not want my children to bear the brunt of my new status. I did not want their lives to change. And I did not want them to worry about their Mom. She would be ok. Better than ok. She would THRIVE! So with Plan B I decided I would keep myself busy, especially weekends – working, beach trips as often as possible, fun plans with my kids, friends and family, and writing. Thankfully doing many things I had wanted to do but never seemed able to find the time or opportunity before. Now life would be on my timeline. And honestly, I love Plan B! And if for some reason Plan B fails, there is always Plan C. You see, I am working on that Adaptability trait.

“Today I know that I cannot control the ocean tides. I can only go with the flow of life.”

Plan B, being SOLO, brought about some challenges. Remember how I could never get suntan lotion in the middle of my back? That was solved with the Bendable Body Wand. As there is no longer a strong hand around to open jars/bottles/etc., I needed a new SOLO solution. Found the answer at TJ Maxx for $4.99 (also saw one at Mast General in Winston-Salem for $8.00) – the easi-TWIST. With this I can open anything. Problem solved. Solo! I am adapting well to the SOLO life! (Maybe I need to take that Emotional Intelligence test once more since I am becoming more adaptable!)

“Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me.” Carol Burnett

Once again, I had another good and busy weekend (part of Plan B!). My older daughter and son-in-law came for the weekend. Winter was the word of the day Saturday as my daughter and I went out to run in 27 degrees. She is the only one who can get me out in such cold weather. What a difference a week makes! Last Monday I was running in shorts and a tank top, and Saturday I was in 3 layers with gloves and hand warmers. Oh my, I am NOT ready for cold weather. However, I was so thankful to get to run with her. Cold weather or not!

“Your life doesn’t get better by chance, it gets better by change.”

I have to add that I was extremely thankful that my HEELS finally won a pretty big football game! Actually, just the fact that they finally WON a football game. And more thankful that basketball season started with a big win. WOOHOO! Lots to look forward to.

Speaking of looking forward, next Monday is my 60th Birthday Y’all! I am so excited and thankful to turn 60. Finally, legally SOLO AT SIXTY! There will be lots to celebrate as my younger daughter also turns 30. We’re going to celebrate “30 YEARS PLUS 30 MORE” together.

Remember to pause and reflect on all the blessings in your life this week. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how rich you are. And make an effort to spend time with those you love, because as we all know, none of us is promised tomorrow.

See you next week when this SOLO gal is 60!

Thankfully,

Leslie