The moment you named the difference between easy and energizing, something clicked in my body — not my brain. That distinction explains so much of what I’ve felt (and ignored) in past seasons: the way I can happily wrestle with strategic complexity for hours, then feel flattened by even a small recurring obligation. Same skill set. Completely different nervous-system response.
I also really appreciated the honesty of naming how privilege and timing matter here. The “make it easy” filter reads very differently depending on whether you’re still building the floor beneath your feet or finally asking, now that I’m standing, where do I actually want to walk? That nuance is rarely acknowledged, and it matters.
And the line that stayed with me longest: the filter was just my attempt to systematize the living. That’s such a generous, clear-eyed way to describe what so many of us do when we’re smart, capable, and a little afraid to trust ourselves without scaffolding.
There’s something quietly radical about letting the Artist win — especially after a lifetime of proving the Architect could handle anything. I love that your next chapter isn’t framed as an optimization problem, but as presence: novels, salons that matter, work that has a beginning and an end, and travel that doesn’t need to justify itself.
Thank you for naming what so many of us are circling: that the goal isn’t ease or output, but aliveness — and that sometimes the bravest move is to stop explaining why.
I’ve found the trick is letting the architect handle logistics — then gently taking the mic back for direction. The artist knows where the energy lives!
And I love that you're finally using the word 'retired.'
I remember our conversation about your "Make it Easy" philosophy. As entrepreneurs, it's easy for our brains to go to the opportunity in something, but we also live in a time when we have to choose NOT to turn everything into a side-hustle consciously.
We get to have hobbies simply because we enjoy them - and the fact that you don't have to earn the income is a gift you gave yourself.
Enjoy the travel & of course, your daughter. I can't wait to catch up after the holidays!
Just started astrology school and as I read this I could not help but wonder if you are a cardinal sign? Or have these signs in prominent positions in your chart. Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn- these signs are born this way!
Lisa-Marie, this landed deeply for me.
The moment you named the difference between easy and energizing, something clicked in my body — not my brain. That distinction explains so much of what I’ve felt (and ignored) in past seasons: the way I can happily wrestle with strategic complexity for hours, then feel flattened by even a small recurring obligation. Same skill set. Completely different nervous-system response.
I also really appreciated the honesty of naming how privilege and timing matter here. The “make it easy” filter reads very differently depending on whether you’re still building the floor beneath your feet or finally asking, now that I’m standing, where do I actually want to walk? That nuance is rarely acknowledged, and it matters.
And the line that stayed with me longest: the filter was just my attempt to systematize the living. That’s such a generous, clear-eyed way to describe what so many of us do when we’re smart, capable, and a little afraid to trust ourselves without scaffolding.
There’s something quietly radical about letting the Artist win — especially after a lifetime of proving the Architect could handle anything. I love that your next chapter isn’t framed as an optimization problem, but as presence: novels, salons that matter, work that has a beginning and an end, and travel that doesn’t need to justify itself.
Thank you for naming what so many of us are circling: that the goal isn’t ease or output, but aliveness — and that sometimes the bravest move is to stop explaining why.
💛 Kelly
Thanks for your comment, Kelly and your affirmation. I am focusing on nurturing the artist, but boy is that architect loud and pushy!!
Always loud. Always convinced it’s urgent.
I’ve found the trick is letting the architect handle logistics — then gently taking the mic back for direction. The artist knows where the energy lives!
Thank you for the introduction to Kim Doyal.
Congratulations on your retirement transformation success.
@Kim Doyal rocks.
YOU rock!
And omg… such a great piece.
Hi Georgia,
Thank you! And thanks for subscribing. 😊
Sticking with the things that energize. And you’re right, the rewards don’t have to be financial.
This is so great, Lisa-Marie,
And I love that you're finally using the word 'retired.'
I remember our conversation about your "Make it Easy" philosophy. As entrepreneurs, it's easy for our brains to go to the opportunity in something, but we also live in a time when we have to choose NOT to turn everything into a side-hustle consciously.
We get to have hobbies simply because we enjoy them - and the fact that you don't have to earn the income is a gift you gave yourself.
Enjoy the travel & of course, your daughter. I can't wait to catch up after the holidays!
A gift I gave myself. Love it!
Just started astrology school and as I read this I could not help but wonder if you are a cardinal sign? Or have these signs in prominent positions in your chart. Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn- these signs are born this way!
I have no idea what any of this means! 🤣 All I know is that I am a gemini.
A wonderful sign! I learned more about myself in a few months understanding astrology than all my years of self development!