The Reality of Retirement

We are now a little over two months into the next chapter of our lives at the Yeaney’s. Here is an update on the going’s on–the good, the bad, and the ugly (in no particular order):

Over the past couple of months I’ve needed to jump on more board meetings than I can count–it’s been a rough ride, but I’m grateful I’ve been able to be flexible and focused. It would have been a scramble amidst my full-time CMO role

I am slightly surprised at how much fun I’m having doing executive coaching.? At first I was worried I didn’t have a specific program defined. But it’s dawning on me that when I ask the right questions, listen deeply, respond authentically, and engage in rich dialogue it turns out just fine. I’ve also been able to have informal mentoring sessions with several folks.? It’s been nice to be able to pick up the phone directly, meet up in person, and at the very least, schedule something within a reasonable timeframe. I used to feel terrible when I had to book things a month or two out

I have definitely filled my bucket with family and friends–more so than any other time of my life. The entire family spent 2 weeks together in Jackson Hole. I visited my parents in NH and my daughter in TN (where we found her wedding dress!). My oldest visited us in Seattle and in 2 days we head to Denver to visit my youngest. Our virtual BA-Fit Crew of 12 all assembled in Seattle for a weekend. Several other dear friends have visited us as well. We have thoroughly enjoyed showing friends around the city and learning more about it ourselves

When we moved into our Seattle house Jan ‘19 we imagined hosting lots and lots of parties. It was a large part of the reason for our specific choice. There’s nothing Eric and Jackie love more than hosting! Of course that didn’t happen with COVID.? But we have been on a mission—we have hosted several get togethers over these couple of months. With several more in the works?

I’m finding that my Chief Core group of women execs is a very powerful and profound combination of souls. With only a few sessions we have been able to connect on a fairly deep level. I took a risk doling out the membership fee but I think I made the right decision.? I’m also still enjoying the networking events with fellow Seattle women execs as part of the International Women’s Forum (IWF) and World50 continues to deliver insightful content and connections

One aspect of the Yeaney plan that hasn’t yet worked out at all is the RV. After making a giant mess, I determined the water heater was broken before we ever even took a trip. Unfortunately, it ended up sitting at the service center for 3 months, waiting for a part. We finally just got it back last week. We are working on getting back to the regularly scheduled program with a night in the driveway, a trip to a winery, a safe stay on friend’s land on Vashon Island and then a drive to the Olympic mountains.

While not yet committing to anything too onerous I’ve connected with a few PE firms, a BCG spin-off focused on carbon emissions and a DEI start up, where I feel like I’m able to assist either directly now or in the future in a more formal capacity

On the health front, according to my watch my average number of steps has doubled over the last 2 months.? I still join the same BA-Fit classes as I have been, but I am simply more active on a normal day. I get to sleep in about half my days (which makes me very happy) but my average time asleep (according to the watch) has remained about the same at 7hr 10 min. You might say I’m a night owl. I have caught up on almost all of my Doctor appointments which is a huge relief.?

I DO need to put some energy into helping my husband market his Blind Ambition Fitness business.? It’s been a little slow and I feel guilty because I’m sure it is because I haven’t done any marketing for months. I also need to continue to investigate what more I can do with the Foundation Fighting Blindness

With Plan International we had an in person meeting in Boston with our Impact Circle. It was special to be together and discuss recent successes, learnings, and start to plan our trip to Senegal. It was also heart warming to spend some time on Zoom with a few of the girls in our program and to hear their self confidence growing

One scary incident was a rather dramatic car crash in Knoxville while visiting Carissa and Trent. The four of us were taking an Uber to dinner and were barely 200 yards from their house when he ran the stop sign out of the neighborhood. Angels were looking at for us as none of us were seriously injured. It did cause us to take count of our many blessings. I can't say I was impressed with Uber's handling of the situation, but that is an entirely different story for another day

Last but certainly not least, I told Eric I would do my best to take on the role of his ‘Personal Assistant’ again (I had to take on the role during part of COVID), but that I wouldn’t make any promises. Truth is, I’m not the world’s most patient person and when he pays someone to read, drive, explain, etc. there is no eye roll or ‘I don’t feel like it right now’ type attitude. I am not exactly doing the best I possible could, but I’m trying and he hasn’t fired me yet.?

Many have asked if I’ve settled into a new normal yet. The answer to that with all of the above is a definite NO–and perhaps I never will. I think my soul loves to fly from flower to flower–hopefully spreading pixie dust along the way.? I certainly hope to see you along the way on my ‘flights.’?