April 25th, 2025
Royce Shook
Designing your new normal Retirement isn’t just a chapter break—it’s a full-on reinvention of who you are and how you want to live. After the honeymoon buzz and the pangs of disenchantment, many people find themselves in this third stage: Reorientation. This is where the pieces start to come together again. You begin to set […]
Read More
April 24th, 2025
Royce Shook
“Is this all there is?” After the honeymoon stage of retirement—the travels, the new routines, the freedom—it’s common to feel a bit of a letdown. For some, this phase comes as a surprise. After all, wasn’t retirement supposed to be the reward for a lifetime of work? My wife and I retired and spent the […]
Read More
April 23rd, 2025
Royce Shook
Congratulations—you’ve made it! After years of work, responsibilities, and deadlines, you’ve stepped into a new chapter: retirement. And right now, it may feel like a long-awaited vacation has finally begun. The Honeymoon Phase is often a time of excitement, energy, and exploration. Freed from the daily grind, many retirees dive into long-postponed projects, trips, hobbies, […]
Read More
April 22nd, 2025
Royce Shook
Let’s be honest—just the word “retirement” can stir up a whole mix of feelings. Hope. Relief. Excitement. And sometimes… uncertainty. If you’re approaching retirement or helping someone prepare for it, you’re not alone in wondering how to plan for this next big chapter. The preretirement phase—the time before the official “start” of retirement—is one of […]
Read More
April 21st, 2025
Royce Shook
If you’re reading this, you’re probably retired or seriously considering it. And let’s be honest—retirement is one of those big life moments. It’s exciting, freeing, and for many, a little bit nerve-wracking. You’ve worked hard, maybe raised a family, contributed to your community or workplace, and now you’re stepping into a new chapter. But here’s […]
Read More
April 20th, 2025
Royce Shook
Every family has a collection of stories—some carefully preserved, others waiting to be told. These stories are more than just memories; they are the threads that weave generations together, offering glimpses into the past while shaping the future. Over the past few posts, wI’v’ve explored how to uncover these stories, bring them to life, and […]
Read More
April 19th, 2025
Royce Shook
Stories are the glue that connects generations. They remind us of where we came from, shape how we see the world, and help us understand our place within the family. But storytelling isn’t just about preserving history—it’s about keeping those stories alive in a way that engages and inspires future generations. In this post, we’ll […]
Read More
April 18th, 2025
Royce Shook
Every family has its own collection of stories—some based on verifiable facts, others wrapped in mystery, and a few that have grown into legendary tales over the years. These stories define a family’s unique identity, offering insight into the values, traditions, and experiences that have shaped generations. But without careful preservation, family myths, legends, and […]
Read More
April 17th, 2025
Royce Shook
Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to connect generations, strengthen bonds, and preserve family histories. For many families, storytelling traditions are passed down naturally, often during holidays, family gatherings, or quiet moments at home. But as time goes on, it can be easy to let those traditions fade. The good news? There are […]
Read More
April 16th, 2025
Royce Shook
There’s something incredibly special about knowing that your stories—your life experiences—will be passed down for generations to come. Whether it’s a beloved family anecdote, a cherished moment from childhood, or the wisdom you’ve gained through life, sharing those memories can strengthen connections across time. But how can we ensure that these stories are preserved and […]
Read More