I made an executive decision over the weekend that was difficult for me. It made my stomach hurt a wee bit, but I’m glad I did it. I decided to retire as our HOA newsletter editor after four years. I have a partner that works with me to create the newsletter and she also agreed with me. I am missing the joy and sense of accomplishment I once had. I wrote a resignation letter for the two of us and I’m waiting to hear back from the Board.
I found that photography is relaxing and rewarding to me. I enjoy taking my nature photos. I enjoy exploring Adobe Bridge and Photoshop and tinkering with the pictures to make them a bit better. I have decided to enroll in my second art workshop for DSLR photography beginning in January. This is becoming a lifestyle more than taking a random class.
Mourning Dove on our fence.
I also want to get back to writing and working on my several WIPs. If I get too busy with things I have to do, I don’t get in the time to write and edit.
Red is fortunately a constant in my backyard. I’m enjoying taking his photo along with Mrs. and various other creatures and plants.
Mrs. in a setting of purple flowers.
Agave with sharp red tips.
The same plant from a distance.
I never get tired of watching the squirrels.
Have you made any difficult decisions lately? When you are faced with a decision, how do you go about deciding what to do?
Retirement can be very stressful, what with all the things we want to do, now that we think we have the time to do them. I think it’s easy to be under the illusion that we have more time than we actually have, and then we bite off more than we can chew.
I think you’re an excellent photographer, so I can understand your choice. But as far as WIPS, I don’t know. What the heck is a WIPS? (Sounds a little kinky).
You are so correct. I think I have all the time in the world to take on social activities, projects, clubs, etc. I need to be more protective of my own time. Works in Progress are WIPs. You gave me a good laugh. I start on manuscripts and then they go by the wayside, because I get too busy with other things.
Ah, I see. I have a lot of WIPS, too. And they keep me chained down. I think need to do what you did, and resign from some of my WIPS.
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I think you made the right call. If something has become a burden, it’s time to let it go. Beautiful pictures as usual.
Thank you! I appreciate your support and kind words about my photos.
It is my sincere opinion
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When something that’s been fun just isn’t working anymore you know you won’t be doing a good job you’d be proud of so I think that’s a signal to let it go. It’s also okay not to be busy all the time but we let society dictate how we live and the standards we are “supposed” to set for ourselves.
The close up agave is brilliant, as is Mrs in the tree with the variety of colors and textures 🙂
I appreciate your words of wisdom and your support of my decision. I have always been a people pleaser and feel like I’ll be judged for letting go of this job. We had a meeting with a board member last week and they had a list of what they want included in every issue. I didn’t like the idea of the newsletter being so formulated or rigid. It was turning into a job for me. After working in PR for more than 20 years writing newsletters and press releases plus four years of volunteering for this one, I felt I could let this go.
It’s great that you are doing what is best for you, that’s so important. Your photos are fantastic! The little ground squirrel is adorable! I live in an HOA too but have never become an officer or board member. Our entry and exit gates have a tendency to break a bit too often for my tastes!
Thanks for the kind words on my photos. I can’t believe how much I’ve improved since my first class that began last January! We have the same issues with our gates, too.
You are welcome my friend! Have a great new week! ❤️
You too! 😊
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Good for you for making a decision for supporting your own needs. My sister is very involved in her HOA . Seems stressful.
I respect the people who serve on the board. Our leadership is very professional and good dealing with HOA issues. It was a good project for me to take on when we moved here and I didn’t know anybody. But now it’s time to move on. I could never serve on the board. I don’t know how your sister does it.
She’s retired and single . She worries about protecting her property value and rising HOA costs if she’s not on the board . She’s the one who lives in Park City .
That makes sense. Park City is an expensive place to live and she’s protecting her investment.
You misspelled “Respect”. It is spelled “T-o-l-e-r-a-t-e”.
I understand. Today I watched the school bus go by and thought maybe one more year-is almost 64 too early to retire. Then my hip started to creak a little, and I calmed my nerves, hip, and did some work in the garden. No, I am good with that I have and am. Difficult decision finished, moved forward.
Thanks for the great analogy from your own life and your decision. It feels good to know you made the right choice.
Thanks, but sometimes I do compare myself with others but then I look honestly at things, including the arthritis in the hip, very painful. Then I say, good to go with my writing, taking care of things, being aware of things in our home, with both the husband any my health and move forward. If a job at home should fall in my lap working online, I would bite but who know how long any of us might be here, so enjoy the moment.
I think you made the best choice for you and your husband. We need to enjoy the time we have.
I think you made the right call regarding the HOA newsletter. It can be frustrating when you’re trying to give back to your community, but only met with criticism. Time to move on! Also, great pictures!
Thanks! Yes, that’s exactly how I felt. I spent decades working on newsletters and press releases for clients, and pretty much know what I’m doing. But when I’m no longer enjoying projects it’s time to let them go.
That is a good response! Whether you are volunteering your skills, talent or working for an employer, when they abuse their power, and you are met only with criticism, time to move on. Younger age, it is easier but older you are better adapted to this inevitability. Sometimes it is also because they resent a talent or want someone else in the position. Enjoy the day!
All good perspectives. Sometimes we never know what is driving other people’s actions.
Yes, I have a hard time accepting my physical limitations. I still exercise, do PT, walk, and do my best but sometimes it is quite painful. On the other hand, I know my friends still teaching, some think I look great, losing weight, and wonder about my decision to stop working for now. Yeah, the truth is trying to lose a few pounds as appetite is not there and carrying less weight is easier for the hip. It works. Thanks for listening!
I totally understand about physical limitations. I’m struggling now with an aching ankle post surgery.
That sounds like a difficult but healthy decision. I’m glad to hear you’ve found fulfillment in photography and writing, both sound like wonderful ways to express yourself. By the way, the photos look stunning 😍!!
I felt very conflicted because for four years I felt very proud of the newsletter and enjoyed working on it. Thanks for the kind words about my photos! My first class in photography — since my college days — was in January. I’ve learned so much.
Cheers to you for doing what’s right for you. Four years of service is pretty darn fabulous…and your friends in nature are waiting for you to capture them in action. A good pivot, I’d say! 🥰💝🥰
Thank you for your support, Vicki! It means a lot to me. It was time and I have a busy schedule ahead with visits with the kids, a Christmas trip to Hawaii with family — and my photography assignments coming due!
You betcha! 🥰❤️🥰
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You are waiting to hear back from the board? Why? You resigned, they can suck it up. Resignations are not a request; they are a notification. If they ignore the letter, they will get the message when there is no newsletter.
We were firm with the resignation letter. I feel relieved today.
Anything more than “I quit” would make the letter too wordy. 🙂
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I made a decision to not help my mother with something. Some things are not worth my mental energy
Good for you! I know you get exhausted and stressed helping her out.
Yeah. I have to learn to step back sometimes
So true! I’m doing the same thing and evaluating how I want to spend my time.
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You did the right thing. Letting go is also a way of life for our own good
Thanks for your supportive words.
You’re welcome
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Life is about evolving and we’re lucky as we get older we have not guilt in moving away from things that are not fulfilling anymore. Good for you.
I was feeling guilty and put off sending the resignation letter for a few days. But now I feel good about moving on. I’m working on my photography assignments and returned to writing a manuscript for a new fiction novel. I had quit writing it in June!
I have found that one of the many wonderful things about being retired is that I can say “No, thank you” (sometimes without the “thank you”) and not feel guilty. Funny how having more free time has made me more careful about how I spend it. Good for you in deciding that writing the newsletter was no longer serving you.
You are so right. After working for decades, raising children, and then moving into a new state, I was looking for things to keep me busy. Now I need to focus on what I’d really like to spend my days on.
So much good stuff in your post Elizabeth. “This is becoming a lifestyle more than taking a random class.” What a valuable thing to learn. And then this one: “If I get too busy with things I have to do, I don’t get in the time to write and edit.” Oh wow. So simple, but spot on. We spend too much time on the “have to do’s” that miss out on the “fun to do’s.” Love it.
Thanks! That means a lot to me coming from you. My photography took over my writing time because it’s new and exciting and I can “see” improvement. I needed to prioritize things in my life to make room for what I value.
If you miss the HoA work … something tells me they or another nonprofit will take you back in a heartbeat. Need to follow your passion! Big Red photos would drive me too! 🤣🤣😎😎
What an excellent set of photos today, EA! We sometimes stick with a job to the point it becomes drudgery. Good to step aside and let someone else carry the weight for a while. I served as secretary for our genealogical society for nine years. I felt bad they couldn’t find anyone for a couple years, but someone finally did step up. That was hard for me, but I’ve taken on new volunteer opportunities that align more with where I am now.
Good for you to step back after so many years of volunteering. I can understand how you felt with that position open. I will look to you for strength if nobody steps up!
I started my PR career which included newsletters at age 23. After I stopped working as a mom, I have done newsletters most years as a volunteer, and into my empty nest. What a treat to not have a newsletter deadline!
I enjoy your photographs way more than I would your HOA newsletter so – YEAH us!
Thanks so much!! I love your encouragement 👍🏼
very beautifull 👍
Yes! After my operation 2023, the doctors wanted me to persue on having a surgery again, to get samples, then regardless of the result, proceed to radiation then chemo. But when I had my CTscan, I was negative with cancer. I had no money, I cannot do it. So, I didnt. I commit my everyday life to Jesus. Life is a precious gift I cherish everyday.
That’s wonderful news that you are cancer free. What a worthy thing to commit your life to Jesus. Life is a precious gift.
Beautiful. Birds are nature’s peace
Thank you!
Good for you, Elizabeth! I can see why it’s a tough decision but I love that you are reordering your creative priorities. Your photography is amazing!
Thank you so much! I thought I’d take one beginning photography class to remember how to use a camera. And here I am signing up for year-round workshops. I’m learning so much from the other people’s work.
It sounds like you made the right decision, and you should do what makes you feel good. Photography seems to be for you! No major decisions on my end as of yet. 🙂
Good for you. I can tell you enjoy photography- your photos show it. 💜
Thank you!
I think its great that your passion for photography is continuing and you are developing it more. Good for you in making decisions that aren’t easy.
Moiurning doves are lovely. This one is posing great for you and the squirrel is looking right at you. I agree with you. I love squirrels.
Thanks for your supportive words. I do not regret my decision one bit!
You are welcome ! Life is too short to waste on things that aren’t fun. Granted we still need to pay bills, and clean, do laundry, but you get my jist. LOL! 😃
It’s a challenge to give up something that you might feel obligated to do, even if you no longer want to. I applaud you because there’s no sense in doing something that you don’t love.
Your photos are fantastic and I’m glad you are continuing on with more classes!!
I feel better about my decision each day. I lost sleep trying to decide and then knew what to do. Thank you for the encouraging comments about my photography.