Welcome to the X.

Walt Kelly said it best in the thought balloon above Pogo’s head: “We have met the enemy and he is us.” Really, how many times have we said or thought that we, or someone we know, are our own worst enemy? Yup, we are often…

As Chapter X is your community, I wanted to share a question that landed in my inbox.  Someone emailed me asking whether women were invited to our monthly Zoom get-togethers.  I answered, “Not at this time.” But I wanted to get your feedback: Would you…

I was thinking about some of the men in my life who have meant so much to me. Some were foundational, some came along to create positive change, and others served as models of humanity. I think of my father, who was obviously foundational but…

As I’ve written, living a joyful life is most important to me. That doesn’t mean I walk around with an eerily weird smile on my face all the time. It doesn’t mean I am always satisfied or always happy. I don’t do cartwheels across the…

I work out twice a week with a personal trainer, focusing on strength, balance, and conditioning. I met her when I was still working, as her space was in my office building. Since then, she moved the gym to her home, which was conveniently near…

For no apparent reason, I was thinking about my high school chemistry class. I remember watching the teacher talk about the reactions that occur when certain elements are exposed to water, air, or other elements.  Of course, the favorites were the ones with dramatic, loud,…

During our working life, scorekeeping is part of the “game,” measuring success by financial goals or promotions achieved. During Chapter X, it’s still important to keep score, but the prize is different. I keep my purpose (goals) front and center. Health, time with family and…

“Hope for the best, expect the worst” is the title of a song written by Mel Brooks for his movie The Twelve Chairs. This phrase popped into my head after I spoke with someone who is about to begin retirement. While he has completed his…