Karen Restivo
In Other Words....
Wouldn’t it be nice to just settle down, exit off the rat race freeway, kick back and watch the world go by?
I was asked this question several months ago and my first thought was to say yes, but my instincts whispered to me to think again.
At middle age, I’m pretty sure I would have said yes to that question without giving it another thought.
At 69, I have a very different perspective.
Of course, I’m thrilled not to be jolted awake at dark-thirty in the morning to face the work week grind and thankful to have the opportunity to travel more with family and friends.
It’s the in-between times that I’ve found myself coming up with ideas that if pursued, would require my time and, but at the same time be fun and enjoyable.
Thinking back to three years ago, I was attending a luncheon at the Country Club with a full guestlist. Looking around the ballroom everyone was dressed to the nines, the tabletop spring décor and place settings lifted the event to the next level.
The energy in the room was palpable with guests relishing the opportunity to enjoy a social engagement.
That’s when the idea organically came to me - wouldn’t it be great to have social engagements like this on a regular twice a year or quarterly basis at a beautiful venue with informed speakers on interesting topics.
That’s when the seed for Women in Touch Initiative (WITI) was planted.
The rest is history.
Thanks in part to our WITI team, it’s grown into a wonderfully successful opportunity for women to come together to share expertise in their fields and their personal stories of their ascent.
I thank God often that I acted on my instincts that day rather than keeping the thought to myself on the way home to my contented, settled lifestyle.
In all stages (ages) in life, the decision will come on whether to settle into the life we are currently living or to challenge ourselves by stepping out of the box in terms of career or dating relationships, trying something new or creating events for your community.
In other words, if you’ve accomplished everything you ever imagined in your career and personal life, then welcome in the oasis of settlement.
If you find yourself still seeking a life of possibility, well then challenge accepted.
Remember the quote by Lewis Carroll,
“In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take, the relationships we didn’t have and the choices we didn’t make.”
Karenrestivo57@gmail.com