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Fall Is In The Air and With It Comes Change

It’s 6:25 a.m. in the morning and I’m sitting at the living room game table. As I write I’m sipping delicious, hot, steaming coffee in my favorite French mug.  Whenever I look out our floor-to-ceiling windows, I am entranced by the stunning panoramic view of Lake Michigan and the city. 

Today I’m treated to a stunning sunrise. This morning I realized something has changed significantly. The sun has moved a little south in the sky and it is rearing its head a little later than usual. It lets me know that fall is in the air. 

REMINISCENCE 

As I reminisce about the summer of 2021 and life in Elsewhere that I interpret as ‘none like any other.’ I spent this summer with my Ultimate Concierge, Sheldon Good, our pooch America. Along with a few of our wide circle of family and friends. We spent my birthday with our family in Arizona.  

My summer was not filled with the normally colorful and festive experiences of summers gone by. Instead, it was filled with alone times with deep introspection. Lots of walks with America, long hours in conversation, and series watching with my Ultimate Concierge. Last but not least, as ugly as the summer was politically, it was a summer filled with daily sunshine and the incredible beauty of nature. 

I survived and, looking back, I can say I found positive footing in a world gone completely nuts and astray. 

As I bid goodbye to summer, it is not with my usual feeling of sadness. I will miss the beautiful gardens and greenery and the long, lazy walks with America. I’ll miss the al fresco dining out with my Ultimate Concierge or friends and the long hours of sunshine. It is now time to embrace fall, everything it has to offer, and most significantly the change it brings.  

FALL IS IN THE AIR

Fall, with its brisk air and back-to-work mindset, is a time to reenergize new goals and new plans. I call fall the ‘thinking and take action’ season. It is a transitional season which makes it challenging on one hand and enlightening on the other. 

Even with the ugliness of Elsewhere surrounding us, we can privately aspire to make our dreams come true.   

I have already begun to clarify and solidify my thoughts to achieve my goals. I am processing new ideas to harvest, and so should all of you. Now is the time to make your secret objectives reality. Now is the time to take action.

This fall, I am in the midst of harvesting two real biggies. Both are life-changing measures. One is in process… a new website and some surprises from Honey Good. The other biggie is in the talking stages and will be finalized by month’s end.

What better time to put these projects into action than the fall, with its promise of growth and change? HoneyGood.com is geared up to realize its full potential. And, you dear reader, what are your pursuits this fall? What are you mulling over in your mind?

CHUTZPAH AND SPIRIT AND MAKING A PLAN

When I launched Honey Good on the advice of a woman author, I took the most unexpected journey and became a contented writer. 

What I perceived as a newfound hobby turned into an ambitious undertaking and a full-fledged business. And I began this extraordinary adventure in my 60s, with no business experience, no internet experience, no creative writing classes. But I had the most important ingredient – a love and enjoyment of what I was doing.

For the past several years I have spent every day feeling fulfilled, even with my many stressful encounters. So stressful I tease that I am going to jump out the window of the 71st floor or throw my computers out!

To shift gears after 50 is not easy but let me tell you, it is fruitful.

Looking back and forward, I had a lot of chutzpah, a huge work ethic, and a go-getter entrepreneurial spirit. This is why HoneyGood.com was born. 

The thing is, you do not have to have my make-up to succeed. You have to find your way to challenge yourself to achieve your passion which can be one of a thousand.   

This past quiet summer was a perfect time to think about change because I had plenty of hours to think!  I asked myself time and again if I should forge ahead, or stay in the same safe and contented place I have ‘lived in’ since founding Honey Good. 

I decided to forge ahead and make the fall of this year my new starting point. Ask yourself if you reached a crossroads in your life. If so, make a plan and work your plan. 

Nothing good will happen by accident.

SHAME ON ME…TAKE MY ADVICE

On a personal level, I have another biggie that has finally come front-and-center. This fall, along with input from my husband Sheldon Good, we are harvesting serious thoughts of how to spend the upcoming winters. 

Selling our home one year ago in the desert of Rancho Mirage, California was a Godsend. From the day I left my home in Honolulu, Hawaii I missed the Sea and the smell of the salt air. I do not have a single regret leaving–only that I did not leave years ago. I regret that I did not do what my heart told me to do. 

There was not a day that passed in Rancho Mirage, 180 days a year to be exact, that I did not feel like a fish out of water. I gave up months of my life in a foreign environment to please others. Shame on me. Learn from me, dear reader. 

DREAMS TURN INTO REALITY

Big dreams take time to process. You start with a dream and finalize it with reality. Right? I have come to terms with the reality of my life. 

For instance, my dream of living by the sea in Florida or an island has gone through several chapters of thoughts. Big decisions require a well-thought-out plan. 

Many people rush through the thought process. I don’t. Every major decision I make starts with an outline of thoughts and ends with a full-blown plan. This takes a lot of time.

If you rush it you are sure to fail. So be patient. 

My one-year outline went through so many thought phases before I formulated my thinking into a realistic plan. Should we buy or should we rent? Should we move the first season to the East or the West Coast of Florida or to an island in the Caribbean? Could we live in a beautiful hotel for a period? Travel for a period (if allowed) and spend time in our beautiful Chicago over the winter months?  

It took the entire summer of back and forth discussion with my Ultimate Concierge to come to our decision.

In the end, we decided we do not want to be encumbered by a condo. For us, we want our freedom to move as we choose for our trial winter in Florida. We want no strings attached. 

We are going to stay in a hotel in Palm Beach, Florida for two or three weeks at a time. It is our hope to travel to Rwanda and Tanzania. Additionally, we want to travel to a few Caribbean Islands and explore. Also, we want to spend time in Chicago. That is our plan. 

Now comes the hard work, the nitty-gritty of turning our plan into reality. That is my department. Most women are good planners. Remember a good plan requires the planner to have patience and cross her every T and dot her every I. 

FALL IS A TIME OF TRANSITION

Fall is a time to transition your thoughts into actions. Even though we are ensconced in Elsewhere we cannot allow ourselves to stop the music of life. Visit your family and take a vacation. Make a big move. Sign up for a course at a university. Plan ahead for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah gatherings. Add new items to your wardrobe. Look for a new job or begin a new endeavor. 

We cannot let Elsewhere win. We have to fight it. It is fall, dear readers, and the time to think about big and small change. Put on your thinking caps and turn your dreams into reality.

Warmly, Honey

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September 19, 2021

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  1. Pat Cashin says:

    My husband and I just returned from visiting Machu Picchu in Peru. It was on my husband’s bucket list so at 73 and 75 we decided to “go for it”. Wonderful experience! Tour guide was fantastic. Out little group of 4 travelers, along with additional local guides had the time of our lives! We all masked up (sometimes double) and went everywhere in Peru. All Peruvian citizens wore masks-even little children-but we were all safe, COVID-free and happy.

    • Susan "Honey" Good says:

      I am so glad you lived a dream! Good for you.What is the next one? My ultimate concierge and I were at Macho Picchu. A dream trip. Warmly, Honey

  2. patti says:

    I am so grateful we are navigating and walking this path called “LIFE” together as MOXIE GRANDwomen! TY for taking me along.
    xo,patti

  3. Susan says:

    Be sure to visit Fairchild Garden while you are in Florida. If I lived on the mainland, I would want to live near there.

  4. Margo says:

    This fall I’ve started taking a quilting class. Though I’ve sewn all my life I would like to learn this craft the right way. I’ve gone out on a limb and replaced my sewing machine which was a hand me down from my mother. Parting with her machine is not too hard since I purchased this basic machine for her a few years before she passed since her machine (1938) would no longer run.
    My dilemma now is that I would like to turn our guest room into a sewing room. I’m getting push-back from my 45 year old son. He comes here to stay over maybe a half dozen nights a year. He and his brother (49) fight over the bedroom in the walkout below which has a full kitchen, bathroom and access to the laundry room. He stayed the winter with us with his fiancé who was undergoing cancer treatment in Boston. I’m a bit disappointed since at 68 I think I should be able to have this area to use as I wish. I don’t want to go down stairs to sew. I’m looking into a Murphy bed but never realized they would be so expensive. I haven’t told my grandson (22) yet, he’s the one that uses the room the most but even at that his visits have become less frequent.
    I’ll appreciate any advice you might have.

    • Susan "Honey" Good says:

      My advice: make your dream come true. If you do not mind having a Murphy bed make a plan with your son. Tell your son that you have definitely decided to turn the guest room into a sewing room and his room. Tell him you are going to decorate the room and you want to accommodate his stay so you will let HIM purchase the Murphy bed! He is a 48 year old man and can buy a bed or buy one on time or buy a nice one on Etsy. Say it nicely and with love. If he says no with tons of excuses, don’t give in. Hope this helps. Warmly, Honey

  5. Susan says:

    Loved this story

    How true “the season of change”

    We often talk of spring bring the season of rebirth but the fall (we call it autumn 🍂 in the UK) is such a good time

    In our mid 50’s it was autumn we made the big change in or lives stating an online business planning for our forthcoming retirement some ten years down the road

    And here we are today officially retired but still doing what we love ❤️

    Celebrating another year living our dream

    Like you we’ve had to make adjustments and changes giving up some dreams that whilst sad to leave behind are no longer part of the bigger picture

    Bless you for writing such a lovely and thoughtful provoking story

    Chris and Susan

    • Susan "Honey" Good says:

      Bless you for your loving comment. I am glad you enjoyed my story. And I am very happy you read my musings. I hope you are doing well in the UK. Distressful situations are all around us here as well as there and worldwide. It is a frightening time. If I could I would start a march with women over 50 all around the world to stop this madness. I love your country! Warmly, Honey

    • Susan "Honey" Good says:

      Thank you for your comment. I love the word Autumn and your country.Please stay in touch. Happy Autumn! Warmly, Honey

  6. Kim Brian says:

    What will you do with America?

    • Susan "Honey" Good says:

      We left America in our home with our dog walker for the five days we were away. All went well. I cannot tell you how excited he was to see us upon our return. He ran around our condo like a tornado. I hugged him to me all night. He is my Romeo and I am his Juliet!. Thank you for caring about America. He sends licks! Warmly, Honey

  7. Brooke Brown says:

    Excellent article Honey, so excited to follow you as you boldly embrace change. We will have to meet while you are in Palm Beach. We just arrived to our home on the Gulf shores of Florida. Such a beautiful place. We arrived early this year. Most of the snowbirds will arrive in late October here. Think of you often, wishing you and your wonderful ultimate concierge fun times ahead. Best Brooke and Dallas

    • Susan "Honey" Good says:

      I am overjoyed to hear from you. You sound very happy and very content. I am glad you have found Florida the place to hang your ‘hats!’ We had our first book club on GRAND.The network is very engaged and we plan to try again to have our meet-ups with Rosemary from Portugal running the group. Please if you have time reengage with us. I miss your wisdom and…you. Please say hello to Dallas. Warmly, Honey

  8. I have just retired from teaching (22 years) and my husband and I bought a new house in a 55 active community! It is a slow transition, but I know will be a good one.
    Being a cabi stylist was my part-time job for the past 8 years. It was an opportunity to meet and style other women. (older than 6 like at school) I have reached out to my new neighbors and continue to enjoy my cabi business. At the first get together, 18 women showed up! We were excited to meet one another plus style for fall with new pieces to add to the wardrobes. It is never too ate to jump into the world and blossom!

    • Susan "Honey" Good says:

      I am glad you are happy with your move. Of course it is a slow transition. Reaching out is the key because everyone settled has a life. You are wise. I did what you are doing when I moved to Honolulu. I reached out. It worked! Wishing you a happy and productive new Life experience. Warmly, Honey

  9. Mary Pent says:

    We love Sanibel in Florida! It’s a special place. No high rises and very low key. Thanks for your articles. Hope to join up if you do zoom again.
    ❤️Mary

    • Susan "Honey" Good says:

      We are planning on Zooming again. We did start a book club on GRAND. I know Sanibel. It is a special place. Thank you for enjoying my musings. Hope you had a marvelous summer. Warmly, Honey

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