When I sold my company and drifted into something resembling semi-retirement, people stopped asking me about my EBITDA and started asking me a far more stressful question:
Mark, I have a friend who also recently left an intense job. He said that the best part of this new chapter is that he can say YES to folks. So he helps small non profits, responds to kids from his college who reach out for mentoring, does excel models for an investment committee he is on. Yes! I love it.
I just subscribed and the first piece I read has touched me deeply, both with your honesty and your humor. It is the one about starting three new hobbies. I laughed aloud and could envision you “hard at work” with each of them. I also tried astronomy, but ended up not able to comprehend anything more than what an amazing Creator God that has called me to be his follower. I’m not into trying cocktails, as I am too pained by the damages done by alcohol in my family and in our society. I’ll skip that one. Now photography…I can only wish that I had the eye for beauty and emotion to capture the moments that stir our hearts. For now my iPhone serves as a reservoir of memories, not one single of the 28,000 images stored could be entered into a contest at the State Fair. But the photos of my mom are the most loving moments and losing her five years ago to complications of Covid taught me to respect grief. It is hard, and it is long.
I know that you will find your way. Your humanity is real. Meanwhile, here in Minnesota I am trying, like everyone, to know how to live as a responsible citizen as I await my heavenly home…
I’ve been faced with the same question in retirement. I have two “jobs” part time that I can say yes/no when they call. One of my favorite things is being able to say “yes” when people need it. So I try to keep an open/flexible schedule. Thank you! This is my first read, I just joined.
Mark, I guess I have a bit of a different perspective I've always known you as my brother-in-law funny, smart, entrepreneur and always learning and teaching others I have no doubt that you will inspire and educate many people and who knows you might find that next big thing. Who knows what that chapter will look like. Looking forward to following your quest!
Murph, thanks for joining and I so agree with you about the joy of saying "yes." "No" is reasonable sometimes, but "yes" is a hell of a lot more fun.
Mark, I have a friend who also recently left an intense job. He said that the best part of this new chapter is that he can say YES to folks. So he helps small non profits, responds to kids from his college who reach out for mentoring, does excel models for an investment committee he is on. Yes! I love it.
I think I’d like to buy those binoculars!
Love this one ! Infusionist … I like it. Maybe that’s next for me 🤣
Particularly liked this one!
you frame the binoculars and mason jar. the two lomographs you frame them together also. how do you not see that. (you've read David Sedaris ya?)
thank you for writing your SELF, it's just really beyond WONDERFUL for us. can't wait for the next. and thank you for the laughs. I love.
I just subscribed and the first piece I read has touched me deeply, both with your honesty and your humor. It is the one about starting three new hobbies. I laughed aloud and could envision you “hard at work” with each of them. I also tried astronomy, but ended up not able to comprehend anything more than what an amazing Creator God that has called me to be his follower. I’m not into trying cocktails, as I am too pained by the damages done by alcohol in my family and in our society. I’ll skip that one. Now photography…I can only wish that I had the eye for beauty and emotion to capture the moments that stir our hearts. For now my iPhone serves as a reservoir of memories, not one single of the 28,000 images stored could be entered into a contest at the State Fair. But the photos of my mom are the most loving moments and losing her five years ago to complications of Covid taught me to respect grief. It is hard, and it is long.
I know that you will find your way. Your humanity is real. Meanwhile, here in Minnesota I am trying, like everyone, to know how to live as a responsible citizen as I await my heavenly home…
I’ve been faced with the same question in retirement. I have two “jobs” part time that I can say yes/no when they call. One of my favorite things is being able to say “yes” when people need it. So I try to keep an open/flexible schedule. Thank you! This is my first read, I just joined.
Mark, I guess I have a bit of a different perspective I've always known you as my brother-in-law funny, smart, entrepreneur and always learning and teaching others I have no doubt that you will inspire and educate many people and who knows you might find that next big thing. Who knows what that chapter will look like. Looking forward to following your quest!
Love you, Steve
I really enjoyed this and could hear your voice in the reading! Thank you for honesty and self-deprecation that is really self-love!
Who I am is a tough list for all of us. Love of learning is a great gift
Sorry meant to say tough lift. Never done. Just like love of learning. Looking forward to reading about the next targets of this passion!
Hysterical! Insightful! I spit laughed over the neighbor pity remark. I am getting excited for my next chapter. xo
Hilarious and wise. A great pleasure to read.
Thanks, Gordon. Accidentally wise, I guess.
Hey Mark, Nice post. Spot on. Love learning!!! Chuck
Thanks Chuck! I am starting to think that learning is more fun than mastering.