Happy September 1, 2024, darlings!

I have been thinking about what happened in the Good Home during the summer of ‘24. By any stretch of the imagination, it was not the usual summer. My blessing was that there were no hiccups with my ultimate concierge’s health. For that, I am grateful and breathe a sigh of relief.

Of course, I missed traveling, having a significant social life, and attending outdoor events because it was logistically challenging. I stopped shopping at the stores and spending time with the salespeople. Outside our condo in the sky, life more or less stopped. Inside, it continued to hum. So, what does a woman do when she runs into barriers? She creates a different charmed life. Each season or transition is like beginning a new chapter, inviting us to embrace fresh starts and new perspectives.

Reflecting on this unusual summer, I realize it unfolded in distinct phases—each phase brought its own lessons, challenges, and opportunities for growth.

Looking back, I see what I accomplished during the summer, whether it was reaching a personal milestone or simply adapting to new routines. The feeling of being accomplished is fleeting, but it serves as a meaningful reminder to honor the journey and the process.

As fall approaches, I am preparing for the next phase—intentionally moving from reflection to renewal and embracing what lies ahead.

Fall Is In The Air and With It Comes Change

How I Filled My Days

This summer I played mahjong, had a few lovely lunches with close friends, and began a new multigenerational relationship with Shoshanna, the Rabbi of our synagogue, Temple Sholom. Our time together was enriching. Enriching friendships developed with very busy women, who live in the building. They made time for me and showered me with concern and friendship.

Some old friends disappeared into the woodwork. La De Da. I exercised daily and drove to my Pilates class. After months of work, I finished furnishing decorating one room and started on another in our condo in the sky. And I daydreamed about a few new passions that will feed my soul. Throughout these activities, I made it a point to maintain focus on personal growth and meaningful pursuits, ensuring that my summer was intentional and fulfilling.

I continued to laugh and fill my cup with projects that brought fulfillment, talked on the phone with friends, kept abreast of politics, watched series on Netflix and Prime, Hulu, and Apple TV. I was captivated by The Bear, We Are One, and Prisoners of War. And, I worked on Honey Good and my private FaceBook Groups, and I enjoyed family visits from out-of-town grandchildren, enveloped the quiet of the day, listened to music, wrote stories, and, most importantly, spent hours with my ultimate concierge and my pooch, America Good. For you sweet readers experiencing a life change — empower yourself to continue to thrive, just differently.

Nostalgia and Boundless Hope

In the summer of ‘24, I learned that you know who your real friends are when illness, financial loss, widowhood, or divorce strikes. The difference between genuine relationships and superficial ones becomes clear in these moments, as true friends stand by you when it matters most. Remember, it is not about you; it is the nature of the human psyche.

“Fall is the time to make autumn resolutions to seek out your ‘authentic wants.’ These things genuinely matter and make you feel alive and fulfilled.” — Honey Good

As the wife of an ill hubby, I have had to wear many hats including taking on new roles that my ultimate concierge handled in the past, and I found that exceptionally challenging because I had to learn to say no. It was hard for me. Sometimes, I would fail at new tasks, but I realized that growth often comes from these failures and learning experiences. It took the summer of ‘24 to learn my lessons, but now I am comfortable and have a new sense of empowerment. So, sweet readers, do not fear just saying no.

The main glitch that played havoc with my spirit during the summer of ‘24 was daily spurts of sadness because of my hubby’s situation. Chronic sadness is physically and emotionally debilitating. However, I also experienced emotional healing as I worked through these challenges and found hope again.

The summer of ‘24 has come and gone, leaving me with a feeling of nostalgia yet boundless hope. It will never be repeated, though it will languish in my mind as a time of personal growth. The lessons I learned required deep self-examination and honest reflection about my strengths and weaknesses.

How I Organized My Closet and Brought Peace to My Mind

Reflecting on the summer, I see how these experiences have shaped my outlook for the future.

Lessons Learned Over the Summer of ’24

I want to credit two close friends for teaching me the meanings of “surrender,’ “plastic, and soul sucker!’ One day, one of them said,  “I surrendered to….”

The word surrender struck me because I had previously considered the word weak in meaning but now realize the word is empowering.

When it comes to drawing a line in the sand, it’s important to decide to set boundaries intentionally. Making this conscious choice is the first step toward personal growth and transformation. Setting boundaries is also a way to honor yourself and your values, fostering integrity and respect.

Learning to say no is not always easy, but it is necessary. One must prepare mentally and emotionally to make these changes, ensuring readiness for the challenges that come with new boundaries.

Whether you choose to speak out or stay silent, do so for the sake of your personal well-being and growth.

The lessons learned here will be carried forward into the next season, supporting continued spiritual and personal development.

Surrender

I now understand that the word “surrender” has a positive meaning.  Surrendering is the opposite of weakness. Surrendering is ridding yourself of toxic situations. Surrendering gives you the ability to turn your attention to the  pursuit of  greener pastures.

Plastic

I told the same friend about a situation I had with another woman who constantly professes I am her dear friend and then acts contrary to her words. She used the word “plastic” to describe her behavior. She hit the nail on the head. Plastic is synthetic. I don’t like synthetic people.

SOUL SUCKER

A soul sucker is any person who sucks  joy out of your soul. It could be your friend, business associate, the plumber!  Anyone. Rid them from your life because this phrase says it all!!  During the summer of ’24 I deleted three soul suckers from my life without a word. I am smiling.

Through my experiences wrought with tears and anguish, I have passed the learning curve. I am liberated!

The Passionate Pursuit of Solitary Pleasure

Drawing a Line in the Sand

My number one lesson during the summer of ’24 was teaching myself how to draw a line in the sand.

I learned to wall out what I don’t care about and wall in what I do. And I learned to say no, I learned how to draw a line in the sand. And it gives me personal empowerment in the quietest of ways. For many women, including myself, this can be  daunting—creating boundaries that let another person know they can go thus far and no farther. This means speaking up for yourself. Speaking out can become tense because it can and does  escalate into confrontations. This is why many women stay silent. Learning to negotiate out of a situation is empowering.

There are times to speak out and times when the unspoken sends a fresh message. A woman’s silence can also convey her thoughts.

I  learned during the summer of ’24 that we diminish our self-respect when we deny  ourselves our right to speak out and say no. It is refreshing to rid ourselves of an old habit.  Saying no is liberating!

Here is an example of speaking out silently: I let a person go without a word. How? Our  first project together had been completed, and she expected to start the second project. There is no signed contract. She will never hear from me again. She lost her job without my having to say a word. My silence is drawing a line in the sand. Follow this lead to thrive.

My Daily Rituals for Staying Positive and Growing: Pursuit of Solitary Pleasures Part 2

Spiritual Renewal: Embracing a New Season

As the leaves begin to turn and a new season unfolds, it’s the perfect time for spiritual renewal—a chance for us, as human beings, to reflect deeply on our spiritual life and journey. Just as Christ Jesus invites us to examine our hearts, we can use this moment to look back on the past year and consider how our desires and actions align with God’s will. Renewal reflection is not just about looking at what has been, but about recognizing the progress and growth we’ve made, even through life’s challenges.

Taking time for self-examination allows us to identify areas where we can improve, and to make a heartfelt commitment to change. This process helps us stay afloat when life feels overwhelming, and it fills us with hope for what lies ahead. As we begin this new year, let’s reflect on our spiritual journey—seeking guidance from God and drawing strength from our community. Embracing spiritual renewal means opening ourselves to transformation, trusting that each step forward leads us closer to becoming the person God intends us to be.

Nurturing a Spiritual Life

Nurturing a spiritual life is a beautiful, ongoing journey that calls us to connect more deeply with God, ourselves, and the world around us. It begins with self reflection—taking time to pause, breathe, and listen to the quiet stirrings of our heart. Through prayer and meditation, we create a safe space to explore our feelings, desires, and values, gaining insight into the path we are meant to follow.

Our spiritual journey is enriched when we share it with others, finding unity and support within our community. Honoring our commitment to spiritual growth gives us the confidence to move forward, even when the way is uncertain. Each moment becomes an opportunity for transformation, as we reflect on our relationship with God and the world, and embrace the process of growth. By nurturing our spiritual life, we discover a deeper sense of purpose and belonging, allowing faith and understanding to guide us through every phase of life.

Moving Into the Fall Of ’24

In my opinion, fall feels like the beginning of a new year. It is an intoxicating time because we jot down planned events in our calendars: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and winter travel. Fall is also a season to prepare for new opportunities and experiences, setting the stage for growth and renewal. We get into our closets and exchange summer clothing for winter, shedding as we go. Fall is when we give ourselves  an emotional shot in the arm that makes us want to move forward.

The true New Year is a downer because we think of regrets and make resolutions that, according to opinion makers, rarely come to fruition. I am smiling.

Fall is the time to make autumn resolutions to seek out our ‘authentic wants, if we are authentic women.’ These things genuinely matter and make us feel alive and fulfilled. Ask yourself this fall what you want to accomplish this season in the many different areas of your life. Consider using a dedicated page or pages in your journal or planner to organize your thoughts and plans for the season.

It could be taking walks in the sunshine, seeking new friendships, seeing good friends more often, taking an hour each day for alone time, planning your fall and winter calendar, solo travel and traveling with grandchildren, or challenging yourself to go after your daydream and make it a reality. Paint a colorful palate this fall by doing a Vision Board.

My Fall Calendar — My New Year

I spoke to my husband’s doctors and have been given the go-ahead to spend our winter in Florida. As many of you know, we have been trying for the past few seasons to find the ideal setting, and finally, last season, we found our niche at Fisher Island. As you know, “Man plans, and God laughs.” My ultimate concierge spent over 60 winter days in Northwestern Hospital instead of Fisher Island.

And, so as the positive saying goes, “Play it again, Sam,” this is what my darling ultimate concierge and I plan to do.

A grandson will be visiting in October, and our daughter-in-law, Jami Good, will spend time with us in our condo in the sky in just a few days. I am so excited.

I have decided to start frequenting the shops again because, like most women, I love to shop. A woman’s desire to keep fit and stylish should be a part of every woman’s daily routine. It is part of the formula that keeps her visible and ageless. So get your closets in order and look for new goodies to fill in your gaps!

Fall Is Time to Pursue Large Passions

In the fall of ’24, I will begin pursuing two large passions. One is a calling, and the other is related to my career. Both require giving back to others and raising awareness. More on this later.

I am hopeful that positive  surprises will ‘fall’ in unexpectedly. If that happens, my calendar will be complete. I can only do what I can do and then hope. We all have our stuff, right?

And, with that, I say farewell to the summer of ’24. But not good riddance. It was a good summer.  A different type of summer. An eye opening summer. A grateful summer because my ultimate concierge is with me to welcome in the Fall of ’24.  And, with those words I will say, AMEN.  I wish all of you, sweet readers, a productive and uplifting, Fall of ’24.

Completing Your Spiritual Journey

Completing our spiritual journey is not about reaching a final destination, but about embracing each phase with openness and courage. It means taking time to reflect on our past—acknowledging both our accomplishments and our moments of struggle. Through spiritual renewal, we allow ourselves to heal, to realize the kindness and compassion that God has woven into our lives, and to imagine new possibilities for the future.

As we look back, we can see how each moment, each decision, and each act of faith has shaped us into the person we are today. This process of reflection and renewal helps us understand our values and desires more deeply, and gives us the confidence to move forward with hope. Even when the journey feels slow or challenging, our commitment to growth and transformation keeps us on the path. With God’s guidance, we can complete each phase of our spiritual journey with a sense of accomplishment, knowing that we are continually becoming the person we are meant to be—compassionate, confident, and ever-growing in spirit.

Do you have a project planned for fall? Please tell me about it in the comments, below!

Honey Good is a mentor for women, empowering them to live vibrant and visible lives after 50. For more insight into her daily life, plus tips and tricks, follow her on Instagram @iamhoneygood. To inquire about working with Honey, please email her at collabs@honeygood.com.