NextTribe: Is This Really How It Ends?

This photo was taken exactly three years ago to the day, when I had just, literally, driven away from my marriage. I was on my way out of Austin—to New Orleans as a first stop, but beyond that things were so murky and scary. I’m smiling, but inside I was thinking with a pit in my stomach: “I can’t believe this is how my 29-year marriage ends.”

Since that day, I’ve lived in upstate New York, back in Austin, then on to New York City and now in Asheville. I’ve gone through 100 emotions—sometimes in one day. I have told people that the divorce was for the best, and I’ve believed it to a point, but it wasn’t until last week (seriously) that I truly felt in every cell that I would never have been as happy as I am right now if the marriage hadn’t broken up. I would never have found a new man who shows me every day what healthy, mutual love looks like, how a man behaves when he really wants the best for his partner.

Recovering from a shock as major as divorce takes time, and the path back to solid ground is lined with family, friends, even acquaintances and strangers. So many people have helped me along the way, but besides my family, two people stand out. Lori Beveridge, who I call my Austin benefactor, and Lila Frodesen, my New York saint.

On the anniversary of this end/beginning, I’m thinking of others who are struggling with pain and uncertainty at an important crossroad. If that’s you, I’m wishing you strength and perseverance and plenty of people around to support you.

Safe Keeping

I guess I’ve been thinking about my divorce a lot recently because I edited a friend’s book called The Estate Planning Advantage. It’s certainly not the kind of thing I would have read if I wasn’t helping out, and that’s too bad. I am just seeing that I made a lot of mistakes before, during and after the divorce. (For instance, my ex-husband is still named as my medical power of attorney. Yikes!) Thankfully, it’s not too late to correct some of them.

The book is out now, and I’m mentioning it because I don’t believe women (or at least women I know and certainly not me) are serious enough about planning for the future and protecting themselves, their assets, and their contributions to family wealth. May you do better than I did!

Packing Update

Many of you have been kind enough to buy my short book called Pack Like a Pro. I just wanted to let you know there’s a bit of a sequel—an article I just published on NextTribe about finding a new carry-on bag.

I’ve had to eat a bit of crow with my new pick, but part of the NextTribe ethos is to not get too stuck in your ways. You’ll see what I mean when you read the story.

And speaking of packing, I’m off again tomorrow—and will be out and about on NextTribe fun for most of June.

First, I’ll be in NYC to lead our Downtown NYC Insider Tour. If you’re in the New York area, we’re selling tickets to lunch with NPR’s Jackie Northam and to our Age Boldly Show (expect humor and hijinks). Members get a discount with the code MEMBERLOVE.

Then it’s off to Scotland for our Curated Tour of the Scottish Highlands with the delightful “Whisky Lassie.” I’m so excited about the gorgeous scenery, the history, and all the dynamic local women we’ll have the chance to get to know along the way. And please God, a glimpse of a Jamie (from Outlander) lookalike as well.

Jeannie R.

Early Bird Pricing on Cuba trip ends June 30th!

Don’t miss our Cuba Info Session. We’ll draw at random during the call to give one lucky woman a $400 discount on the trip.

Details here.