I am newly independent, but I’m not celebrating. On Monday, my husband Bob and I joined the ranks of empty-nesters when we dropped our son Luke off at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. His departure was early (6:00 a.m.) and abrupt (30 seconds to say ‘goodbye’), and the separation feels permanent. Luke is no longer ours, I’ve been told by those in the know. “He belongs to the army.” Ouch.
At my son Luke’s senior class awards night three weeks ago, his classmates Ayushi and Carolyn taught me (and other alert members of the audience) a lesson. The lesson is one we’ve been taught before, but often forget to practice; a lesson women need to heed now, especially.
Reminder: This is who you are!
I believe that women are the front door to every home. They are the temperature and the hub for what rolls in the household. They are powerful curators of life and some days they need a little reminder.
So let’s give YOU a little reminder right now!
Although I’m convinced that Fathers’ Day, like all of the other ‘Special Persons Days’, was a construct of a struggling greeting card industry, it has taken hold in the American calendar and I’m happy to embrace it. I won the lottery of birth when I was born to Thomas J. Rietano 50+ years ago and I’m always up to celebrate my luck – and my Dad.
“Do one thing every day that scares you.” This ubiquitous phrase, found on everything from coffee mugs to shopping bags, has unique meaning in the context of the Prepare to Launch U course. Returning to work after years spent on the home front is, quite literally, stepping out of your comfort zone. And it’s a discomfort Kelley and I advise you to welcome and embrace.
How are you feeling these days? Energized? Full of life? Ready to hit one out of the park? OR Maybe you are feeling just the opposite…Like you are on a treadmill that just won’t stop.
