Retirement

Posted on July 28, 2025 by msw blog

I will turn 65 in a few months and have announced my plans to retire. I have a long list of things I want to do, and after 50 years of employment and saving, I am well situated for these next years. At least, that is what my financial adviser and balance sheets tell me.

I really yearn for more discretionary time and my physical health tells me I need to get out from under a desk. My problem is that I am getting cold feet about leaving a paycheck behind.

After a lifetime of saving, how do I let myself relax into just spending?

I know this is a good problem to have on the surface, but it really is torturing me. I need some words of wisdom to help me get to the other side. Can you help me?- Undecided Plans

This is a transition, a big one. While it might seem like a phase of life that one would leap into happily, it’s right to acknowledge the complicated feelings around it, too. You’re shifting the way that you live and breaking routines that you’ve had for decades. This is going to take some adjustment. Give yourself space and time to feel that and the freedom to change course whenever you want.

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Send Cards to Friends and Family

Posted on July 27, 2025 by msw blog

“Leading up to the day, I’ll break out my stationery and mail off cards to coworkers who keep me sane and friends I consider family. I try to get ahead of the price jump by purchasing flowers from a local shop ahead of time so I can appreciate the blooms on the actual day. Valentine’s Day itself usually includes a facial, extra long and hot shower, a trip to a local pastry shop, a massage at the local spa, mani-pedi, and scattered phone calls to family and older friends.” —Lynelle Nicole,

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Make a Home-Cooked Meal and Read a Book

Posted on July 27, 2025 by msw blog

“I’m choosing to go solo this Valentine’s Day — not out of loneliness, but out of self-love. I’ll start by cooking myself a gourmet meal, savoring every bite instead of rushing through my meal while doom scrolling through social media. A glass of white wine in hand, I’ll write a love letter to my future self — something I can read next year as a reminder of my growth, resilience, and worth. After that, I’ll indulge in a home spa night, letting the stress of the world melt away. And finally, I’ll curl up with a book I’ve been meaning to read for ages.” —Kathryn Parsons,

Positively Purging-I welcome your feedbacks in the comments and your likes and passing the real-life wisdom on to others as I embark on this new venture of “positively purging”, as I know each of these pieces represents something…

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Buy Yourself a Gift From Tiffany’s 

Posted on July 26, 2025 by msw blog

“I have been a widow for five Valentine’s Days. This year will be my sixth. Last year I started a new tradition. I called a shopper at Tiffany & Co. and told her what I was looking for. Last year was a purse, this year will be a bracelet. She has selections waiting for me along with champagne. I then proceed to buy myself a gift from my late husband. Then I head across the street to Capital Grille and have more champagne and shrimp cocktail or the tuna stack. I toast Eric and chat with people around me. I love this because I am healed enough not to be devastated and to take care of myself.” —Lisa Woolery,

Positively Purging-I welcome your feedbacks in the comments and your likes and passing the real life wisdom on to others as I embark on this new venture of “positively purging“, as I know each of these pieces represents something…

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Asking for Help

Posted on July 26, 2025 by msw blog

Asking for Help is a Strength For so many of us, strength has been defined by our ability to carry burdens alone, to power through without leaning on others. But true strength lies in allowing ourselves to ask for and receive the support we need—especially in moments of vulnerability…But here’s the truth: no one can give us what we need in moments of crisis if we don’t share what we’re feeling or ask for support.

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a recognition of our humanity and a step toward healing. This week, practice asking for help in ways that feel meaningful to you: Identify your needs: Take a moment to reflect on what kind of support you need—emotional, practical, or simply a listening ear. Reach out intentionally: Choose someone you trust and share what you’re feeling. Be specific about how they can help, whether it’s by listening, offering advice, or simply sitting with you. Acknowledge the love: Even if the support isn’t perfect, take a moment to appreciate the care and effort offered by those around you.

Positively Purging-I welcome your feedbacks in the comments and your likes and passing the real-life wisdom on to others as I embark on this new venture of “positively purging”, as I know each of these pieces represents something…

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