My husband and I recently started volunteering with the elderly.
We discovered a local aging-in-place nonprofit at the end of the summer and we’ve been volunteering when we can, completing chores, giving rides and helping with IT requests (that one is not my skillset, ahem).
Yesterday I blocked off my afternoon to drive a few folks to the monthly low-vision meetup. As I picked up the ladies one by one and headed toward the venue, they asked questions about me, my family, did I work, how long have I been in Virginia. Stuff like that. And I found myself telling them about Plucky, the kids, the pets, my upcoming book.
“That is SUCH a full plate!” Ms. Reid said from the back seat.
“It is,” I agreed, turning into the parking lot.
When we were on our return route 90 minutes later, we chatted about our plans for the remainder of Monday. A nap, one said. Some tea and an audiobook, said another.
I did not share my afternoon plans, which included: coaching, going to the gym, cooking dinner, reading with my 5th grader and picking up craft supplies for a different volunteer project. I was sensitive to the difference between our schedules.
What will it be like when our physical bodies require us to drastically limit our activities? Frustrating or relieving? Wistful or grateful? I can’t tell yet. Maybe a mix of all.
The reason I share this story is because those two car rides, to and from the low-vision meetup, were the most poignant of my day. To sit in relative silence with women who have already lived my phase of life gave me a calm perspective. This will not last forever. For good and for bad, nothing lasts forever.
I guess I find that soothing.
Halloween painting, that was also recently on the to-do list.
So Now You’re a Manager (Feb 2026)
Are you a newish manager looking for a way to support your growing skills in 2026? Or are you in Employee Development searching for education options for your staff? Seek no more!
The ever-popular So Now You’re a Manager program is back for some 2026 love. Our next cohort will take place in February (2/6, 2/13, 2/20) from 12-3pm ET.
This is a perfect way to use 2025 professional development funds! I hope you’ll join us (yes, YOU!).
More details and tickets here!
Day of Big Dreaming 2026
You know what time it is! The 2026 Day of Big Dreaming e-course will drop in two short weeks. This is an opportunity for you to spend one day between December 1 and January 31, alone with your plans and dreams.
Who do you want to be in 2026? What goals (and beyond) are possible?
This year’s theme is “Ready, Set, Serendipity,” a nod to the ways we can be very intentional with our goals and ALSO make room for chance.
Be on the lookout for the launch email soon…
Upcoming Events
1/15/26 – Reading and signing at One More Page books in Arlington, VA
1/25/26 – Reading and signing at Reston’s Used Books Shop in Reston, VA
1/26/26 – Leading a session at Ops Week, Bureau of Digital Affairs
Pre-orders for I Believe in Everything are now available on all platforms!
I hope you get some time with elders sometime soon, maybe over Thanksgiving. I hope it’s not horribly political. And whether it’s multigenerational or not, I hope you experience someone in a different phase of life or location or circumstance.
Personally, I am always the better for these moments.
xo Jen
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