I was watching the Today Show this morning and watched Hoda as she announced her departure from the Today Show in early 2025. There is something about turning 60, in my case 66, that causes you to step back and reflect all that you have achieved and coming to the understanding that it can’t get any better. That you are at the top of your game and it’s time to walk away. To focus on yourself and the hopes and dreams you’ve held so close for so many years. Giving way to focus on career and financial stability.

After losing everything when my daughter died; I sit here in this moment grateful for the ability to rebuild, to have the privilege to retire. It wasn’t easy. I went back to school to finish my bachelors and then on to obtaining my master’s degree in nursing leadership and management. All during the most difficult time in my life. Grief intruptted the journey many times. But I worked hard. Long hours. Sometimes at the expense of my social growth. I dedicated myself to the job at hand. All with the goal that I could have time to retire early enough to work on my dreams of travel and writing while still healthy.

In August, I stepped away from the best job and being a nurse to focus on myself for the first time in what may seem like my entire life. I know it wasn’t an easy decision for Hoda as it wasn’t for me either. But when you have such supportive friends and family – it made it much easier to believe that I could. Kaci has been my rock and always supported me through all of it. Now it’s my turn to support her journey.

Here’s to the future for anyone who makes this decision to focus on their own health, dreams and live the best possible life – just differently. Here’s to more travel, writing more books, volunteering and whatever comes my way. What I know for sure is I will always give it my all.

Until Next Time,

Mal