(6) What do I do in the next chapter of my life?

Although I had been wanting to leave New Jersey for a while, I had decided that I would not make any major life changes while my mother was still alive. She was self-sufficient for her age, but there were a number of things she needed help with, and I wanted to be there for her. I had been self-employed for 35 years and was determined to keep going for as long as I could, until something either happened to me or to my mother, whenever that time might be. (more…)

Continue Reading(6) What do I do in the next chapter of my life?
Read more about the article (7) The Start of An Overwhelming Process
Photo by Victor Garcia

(7) The Start of An Overwhelming Process

The idea of preparing for a move halfway across the country seemed like a daunting, almost impossible task! Where do we even start? Sometimes when I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself of the old Chinese proverb, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” I find that just taking that first step, however big or small, can curtail the feeling of helplessness that comes with overwhelm. Taking action always makes you feel more in control.

In order to get ready for our long-distance move, my wife and I knew that it would be best to downsize as much as possible. We understood that the process of deciding what to keep, throw out, or give away was going to be difficult — though it was a hundred times more challenging than we ever thought! (more…)

Continue Reading(7) The Start of An Overwhelming Process

(8) Deciding What to Keep and What to Let Go

It’s amazing how much you can accumulate in thirty three years! My wife and I are collectors of many different types of items, and we hate throwing things out. We assign sentimental value, assume rarity, ponder some possible future use, or find just about any excuse to keep an item. Can any of you relate to this? As HSPs, it doesn’t take much for us to form emotional attachments, even to inanimate objects!

To further illustrate this point, I’ll admit that we still had my daughter’s baby clothes, crib, and the many projects that she had from all of her school years. She’s currently thirty-seven! A word of warning to parents of all ages… Your kids don’t want anything that you’re saving! (more…)

Continue Reading(8) Deciding What to Keep and What to Let Go
Read more about the article What would the world be like if it were run by HSPs and Introverts?
Photo by Evan Kirby

What would the world be like if it were run by HSPs and Introverts?

This is a difficult question to research, since there probably aren’t many examples of HSPs and Introverts in political office. Think about it. How many of us would subject ourselves to the abuse one has to take in order to run for a major office? Also, while we may have strong leadership and problem-skills, we are unlikely to possess the personality traits that you commonly find in politicians. For example, we don’t have narcissistic or Machiavellian tendencies or a high degree of extraversion.

With those thoughts aside, let’s dream, shall we? What would the world be like if we were in charge?

  • There would be less conflict and more compromise. We dislike conflict and are natural peacemakers, so there would be less war and political infighting. We would use our diplomatic abilities to settle differences, seeking to unite rather than divide. We would call in the experts and make sure that we have the wisest people handling the most difficult and sensitive negotiations on both foreign and domestic matters. (more…)

Continue ReadingWhat would the world be like if it were run by HSPs and Introverts?