Quote From: teri_idBrenda,
I am giggling somewhat with your description of ego stroking. You know, sometimes it is OK to have a bit of a swelled head, to enjoy people telling you they appreciated your presence in their life.
Sometimes we tend to belittle the impact we have on other's lives. I was told once that this is quite arrogant, to assume we can interact and not impact. I don't know if I will go so far as to say arrogant, yet I do believe it is naive.
I am sure you brought something good to each person at your work. Aggravation can be a good thing, as it teaches us patience, their memory of you being solid when it comes to ethics, wow! What a legacy to leave behind!!! It is too bad they waited for you to leave to tell you, yes?
It is on to the next step, and never having retired before, I have no clue what it is other than DON'T STOP! Keep doing things that make you happy and help you grow as a person. I believe giving of yourself is something you would really appreciate. Who knows how many lives you can touch now that you are not wrapped up in the corporate world....
Teri
P.S. Maybe taking the time to develop a personal mission statement would be a good thing to do...here are some websites that may help if you want to check them out. http://www.franklincovey.com/missionbuilder/ http://www.nightingale.com/tMission_PersonalStatement.asp?source=INTROHR
The SURPRISE retirement party left me very nearly speechless. I really had NO idea that all of these folks saw me as having 'Power' of some sort. I really was reluctant to accept the things they were saying. I suppose it is a bit naive to believe that you can't have an impact. I really didn't know what to say except, "Wow." The gifts, the expressions of THEIR belief that my absence would make a difference. Wow.
The laughter and re-counting of all of the funnies over the years I could accept-because my humor isn't just left field but deep roving left!
It's a time to reflect as I contemplate my next step. I appreciate your insights and feedback during this time of transition. It means a lot!
Thanks, Again!
Brenda :-)
