Go confidently in the direction of your dreams and live the life you’ve imagined. The words by Henry David Thoreau are written on a plaque above my computer monitor. I read them aloud. Every. Day. I feel confident, but not always. I take massive action occasionally, but still more than most. Then there are the days when I’m uber-confident and determined to live like it’s my last day on earth. That’s usually the beginning of my next Ted Talk when that happens. (Snort)

Like now.

What’s Next?

After a decade in my university role, I’ve decided to retire REFIRE early. I could have easily stayed another 5-10 years, paddling in place. But I’ve never been good at paddling, having overturned a few canoes in my lifetime.

Being comfortable gives me the hives.

People ask me, “So, what will you do now?” I have no idea is my response. I am open, curious, and having great conversations with trusted friends and advisors. I’m staring at a blank page and quite content to be clueless. Where, what, how, when?

I don’t know. Quite frankly, I don’t care.

Much like my previous leap from Corporate America in 2012, I’ve been planning my 2023 leap for months. Now, it’s time to sit back and bask in my fearlessness. I’m going to enjoy the summer and play in the vast unknown. Jump in the water with me. I’ll throw you a life jacket. It’s a bit chilly, but you’ll get used to it after a while.

And realizing the freedom to be and do anything is quite exhilarating!