I spent the last couple of years in what I like to call my "mid-life awakening" and currently am transitioning to v2.0 of myself. Quit corporate America after hitting coastFIRE at 36, to be stay-at-home dog mom / author. Transitioning from a go-go life to slowing down, and trying to enjoy the small things. I had a demanding job that compensated well but also required a lot of travel. I tried to fill my PTO and time-off with *doing" things - travel/concerts etc and now that I quit (thanks to my husband), want to start *being*, learning to take joy in the slow life of cooking fresh food and walking the dog everyday.

I am incredibly grateful for where I am. Childfree, immigrant, eldest daughter lucky to have a bought a house before the pandemic and happily married to an academic who loves his job. Some days I feel like I am living my dream! Looking for more local, meaningful friendships.

Good books, working out, climbing, my husband, caring friends, moving music, therapy, psychology books, learning something new, medicinal plants.

Writing seriously and fixing my muscle imbalances.

There are no bridges built across the Amazon river despite how long the river runs.

Semi-retired, but I reserve the right to work again if conditions compel. Divorced for 4 years. Dabbled with online dating, which has resulted in a few new friends. Moved to the Sacramento area after living in SF, East Bay, and Marin for 35 years. I have many great friends around the country (and a few in Ecuador,) but I hardly have any friends nearby. I live 20 minutes east of Sacramento, so a Sac community would be ideal.

It’s actually pretty good. I have recently started taking some classes at Sac Comedy Spot (improv, stand-up, sketch writing) and I’ve enjoyed the connections and creative outlet. I’m never bored, but it would be great to build a local group of friends.

I like to walk a lot while listening to Audiobooks. I walk 3-5 miles a day or more and I enjoy mixing in hikes when the weather is a little better. I also have a few pinball machines, a pool table, and a sizable vinyl record collection. I play around with electronics as well—simple robotics, microcontrollers, leds, etc. I am hoping to connect with other makers as well. I had a group when I lived in Marin, but I haven’t found anything locally.

Making connections and clarifying what I want to do when I grow up. I have many hobbies and I travel for a couple of months when local temps are above 100. I would love to be able to do interesting things with local people with at least somewhat similar interests.

As mentioned, my experience with Sacramento Comedy Spot has been really wonderful. The connections with creative people have really sparked a fire. I’ve also been doing a deep dive with a virtual pinball table that I will be building from scratch.

I'm in a phase where I'm reconciling my desires with my reality and deciding what I want my next phase of life to be like. I have a healthy orientation to work and balance it well with my personal life. But what kind of life work will be meaningful going forward? How I do I want this chapter of life to feel? It's exciting to have space and opportunity to think through the big questions.

It's good - peaceful, positive and drama free. I have friends, family and hobbies I enjoy.

Writing - creatively or in a journal, reading, learning something new, walks and laughing with loved ones keeps me sane and balanced. And when I get to travel or go to the coast it helps.

Loving family relationships, reciprocal and warm friendships, creativity and self-expression, freedom

The Equalizer is a getting a spinoff

Creeping up on the big 5-0 and feeling it. Considering what would be my second career pivot but having a hard time with the unknowns. Enjoying the time I have with my kids in the interim. Always low-key interested in new friends and the adventures ahead.

Something about..I can’t complain. I’m a year out from losing my brother and then my mom a few months later. I’m starting to realize how much of that I’m still processing but processing, I am. Doing my best to funnel that energy into making them proud and ensuring my kids always remember the family members that loved them with everything.

Work. Both my 9-5 and the small businesses I operate. Live music. Lots of records. The amazing Caribbean restaurant and bar near my house.

Being the best dad I can. Doing what I can to protect my kids from the political nastiness that consumes our country. Improving my health and the health of my family. Making new friends when possible.

Well..it’s been 105°-110° for many weeks. So the most interesting thing I’ve encountered recently was an ice bath.

In the stage of some soul searching and what comes after. At the start of my career and questioning what I want out of life. I got some answers after a month of solo travel which included an ayahuasca ceremony.

Dealt with some big life changes in my 20s, so moving to CA feels like a new and exciting start to my 30s.

Life is good - but it’s also been a roller coaster. It’s been a story of self discovery and growth. Trying new things and seeing what sticks.

Yoga, meditation, bike riding, books, and music!

I listen to most everything except country. I’m hoping to explore music more with the drums (my bread and butter), guitar, and singing.

Keeping the relationships and connections I have, having creative pursuits, and being the coolest uncle.

Attachment styles in relationships and Mac Millers posthumous albums

I'm at the point where I feel like it's time for me to start working on interesting projects. I just began the literature review for a nonfiction book about close-knit communities in the United States. I'm picking up photography again and meeting with new people from all walks of life to hear their stories.

It's going alright! I take care of my elderly parents, and I've been socially isolated since the pandemic, but I'm breaking out of my shell.

Reading sociological books and classic novels, listening to classical and folk music, going for walks in nature, having interesting conversations with friends and strangers, cooking comfort foods from various cultures, going on day trips.

Making sure I take care of myself, not just other people.

The best quotation I've come across recently: “Let me make the songs of a nation, and I care not who makes its laws.” Andrew Fletcher, Scottish writer

Recently divorced from a two decade long relationship, shared time with two elementary school aged children, mid career and not looking for advancement for now.

after some therapy, deep self reflection, and reprioritizing… it’s good. There’s some thoughts about “imposter syndrome” but I really do feel like I’m the happiest I’ve been as an adult.

Getting enough sleep, working out 5-6 times a week, and learning to accept that I can’t control how other people feel/say/do, only how I react to it.

My kids… always being a better dad by making myself better & happier and rebuilding my relationships with the rest of my family and friends.

There’s always a choice, it’s whether or not you an accept the consequences… and I’m good with the choices that I’ve made. Are you?