It has been quite a while since my last post to The Joy of Retirement. Let me share why… for the past few months, I had been exploring a few business ventures and did not feel sincere writing about retirement with integrity while at the same time I was putting together pieces for a business.

I spoke with my very understanding business partner to say I need a FULL BREAK for a few more months before I contemplate any next steps even for a flexible work arrangement. She was very supportive and I am very excited for the next few months… you’ll see why.

During my first months of retirement, my wife and I have bought an RV, planning a 2 month family trip through national parks out west this summer (Big Rig Adventure). We had a wonderful Bar Mitzvah with our son, organized a big family cruise, helped improve our kids’ grades, I have done yoga, golf, basketball, swam, cooked, lost 15 pounds, and we have thrown the football with our kids more times than we have in their first 13 years!

During these months we have also challenged our paradigms on life priorities taking a refreshed look at consumer marketing, financial goals, and so much more.  Life is simple: Be Happy, Be Nice, and Enjoy Every Moment!

Thanks for letting me take a bit of time off but I am so glad to be back with all sincerity and integrity sharing my thoughts and tips for The Joy of Retirement.  I have a stack of notes, observations, and insights from my first 6 months and I look forward to us sharing and learning from each other. Add to that stack the insights I will get while on the 2 month family vacation in the RV and we have a fun conversation in the works!

For now, please enjoy this wonderful TED lecture from Shawn Achor. He breaks paradigms and shows how easy it can be to lead a happier life. Your happiness, in turn, can drive greater success, fulfillment, and even more happiness!

The video is too large to download directly onto this sight (or I currently lack the technical aptitude to do so) but you can use this link to see the video on YouTube:  Happiness  When you have 10 minutes, link through to watch it, then, come back to comment, share with others, and subscribe – let’s keep the conversation going at The Joy of Retirement!

Enjoy Life!