Dateline: April 17th. Friday afternoon. Upper Arlington Library. Tremont Road.

Noah is having his weekly meeting with his “job coach” Leah. He’s interested in seeing if “there is anything better for him, job wise.” So here I sit. Alone, with my thoughts. Oh, I’ve got thoughts.

Four weeks from today will be the last time I perform duties as the financial advisor for my clients. My wonderful team takes over on the 16th. Since the beginning of the year, I’ve been trying to see a lot of clients whom I’ve known, not for years , but for decades. Impossible to get to all of them by May 15th. Some of you, I’ll simply have to see over the summer and fall, as I make trips to see family and friends, like you.

A constant question I get asked is, “what are you going to do with yourself in this new chapter of life called retirement?” My honest answer… “not totally certain”. Honestly, I don’t have it all figured out. Sounds really weird for me to even hear myself saying those words. I am THE GUY who has always had the future figured out. I am a planner. Just ask Joyce, she’ll tell ‘ya. I am ALWAYS planning the next thing. Next trip. Next purchase. Next week! However, I don’t want to plan every day in retirement. I don’t want to know all things that I am going to do each and every week. I want to have some mystery around “what’s next”. That “mystery” provides excitement! What, truly, is next?

I have an open mind and open heart, regarding the future. My constant prayer has been this, “God, I don’t know what YOU have in store for me in the future. I do have an open mind and heart and I am willing. I do know that wherever You lead me, it will be exactly where You need me to be.” And I am happy with that.😊

I think that part of the “freedom” that we seek, honestly comes when we give up our tight-fisted control of the reigns and just…let go. What about you, my good friend? Do you need to loosen that grip…just a little?

Be well,

Jeff