Radically Retired

Tag: Self Awareness

  • Addictive

    Addictive

    Everyone, both here in the blogosphere, and among my family and friends back home have been talking about ChatGPT.

    I’ve been resisting… until two days ago when my closest sister posted on Facebook, the cutest caricature of herself.

    I called to ask her how she made it, and of course, it was through ChatGPT.

    I succumbed and downloaded the app.

    I spent the next several hours making caricatures and laughing so hard at the results.

    I then submitted a photo of my kitchen here in south Texas, and asked for ideas for cabinet paint and countertops.

    Before I knew it, I was asking for a printed schedule for my hourly and weekly activities.

    Every single experience was interesting, fun, and rewarding.

    I can see how people can get addicted to this stuff … because after just two days, I already am.

    More on that in an upcoming post.

  • New Year, New Approach

    New Year, New Approach

    There’s something about a new year that drives us to want to make significant improvements in our lives.

    Resolutions for a new year are usually made with the best intentions.

    Unfortunately for me, and almost anyone else I’ve spoken to over the years, these New Year’s Resolutions all too often morph into New Year’s failures, disappointments, self-doubt and self-chastisement.

    I later moved on to setting goals. This was somewhat less discouraging, but still never 100% successful.

    This year, I’m trying yet another approach. This one is about asking intention questions and then working with the answers to set daily affirmations. The affirmations are a guide instead of a hard and fast rule or goal. I like that.

    These are my questions and affirmations for 2026 and beyond:

    1. How do I want to live my life? Affirmations: I’m thankful for my many blessings. I’m happy, I’m healthy, and I’m eager to continually learn new things and develop new skills.
    2. What personal qualities do I want to embrace? Affirmations: I continue to care about my health and that of others around me. I share what I know and learn, in hopes of helping others.
    3. How do I want to experience relationships with others in my world? Affirmations: I make regular contact with friends and family. When necessary, I set healthy boundaries. I experience joy in my interactions with others.