The Significance Sandbox

The Assignment: Describe what I want my life to be like 10 years from now -- knowing that I can take a bullet train right through the heart of the saboteur to the reality where I'd like to get off. But if I don’t say where I want to go, the train leaves without me. If I state it too vaguely, I may end up someplace I really don’t want to be. And it departs 45 minutes from now! Where my bullet train will take me … • I am happy, joyful and loving. • I embrace new experiences and celebrate ordinary pleasures. • I live passionately, unabashedly with openness and vulnerability. • I enjoy and appreciate good health – with strength and energy to last me 50 more years. • I’m (still) in love – with my wife: our relationship and emotional intimacy is growing. • I am a resource and role model to my adult children. • I am at peace with who I am and with my place in the world. • I operate fully out of love – not out of fear. • I live in abundance. There is plenty of whatever I need to do the thi...

“Why don’t you retire?” That’s the question I asked myself recently. I’d asked it of others – usually far older than I. But it is an interesting question for anyone – no matter the age. And what did I answer? I had a few pretty good responses to my own question. They were compelling enough to prevent me from throwing in the towel to a generally successful twenty-three year career. But still, the process of asking the question – and several related to it – was an amazingly freeing experience. How would you answer the question? “Why don’t you retire?” If you have the time, go ahead right now and jot down a few answers to the question. If you’re already retired, then ask yourself “Why didn’t you retire earlier?” Please don’t assume that I believe that anyone or everyone should retire. In fact, I can make a pretty good argument for never fully retiring. I actually prefer the term re-engagement. But for now, answer the question at hand. “Why don’t you retire?” or “Why didn’t you retire soon...