It was raining. My 9-year-old granddaughter said, “Hey PopPop, let’s dance in the rain.” I responded with, “No, Parker. We’ll get soaking wet.” She responded, “Please, PopPop.” In my 79-year-old wisdom, I said, “No, Parker. You’ll catch your death of cold.”

Two years ago today, MEA had to shut down due to the announcement of a global pandemic. What an anxiety-producing time! A year later, I wrote this blog post about all of the pandemic pivots we made.

Of course, all life is real, but this turn of phrase is so apt, because of the numerous restrictions of movement, and consequently our limited human engagement, to which most of us have been subjected the past two years.

What a complicated time we are living in. Just as we come out of two years of social distancing, it’s time to “duck and cover” with nuclear war being part of the public discourse. It’s certainly a reminder to enjoy each day and be in the moment, isn’t it?

Philosophers and psychologists have long debated the tradeoff between a life seeking happiness and one searching for meaning. While research has shown that having and raising kids gives you long-term meaning, there can often be a short-term happiness deficit. Similarly, living a life full of pleasure and fun can offer you short-term enjoyment but not a lot of long-term sustenance.

As someone who started a hotel company based upon the premise of “joie de vivre,” I’m intrigued by my fellow joy entrepreneurs (like MEA alum Jack Abbott who created Made for Joy five years ago). And ever since Ingrid Fetell Lee’s bestselling book “Joyful” came out, I’ve been following her as well.

From May 23-28, 2022, I’m excited to be offering a weeklong Mastery Week at the Modern Elder Academy, called “The One Life We’re Given: Saying Yes to Life.” I’d like to share more deeply what this topic opens up for me, in hopes, if moved, you’ll join me in this empowering exploration.

On the plane to Baja, Mexico, I learned about shame triggers. I won’t tell you what they are, that’s Brené Brown’s job in Atlas of the Heart. But what I will tell you is I had a huge AHA moment. An AHA on my way to Baja.

While I did appreciate Carrie Bradshaw’s wordsmithing wisdom and ability to turn a phrase, I was never a big-time Sex and the City evangelist. So, I’m curious how some of you are vibing with the show’s new "And Just Like That" comedy-drama series, 17 years after their last reunion?

Who’s ready for another round of MEA Lingo? Today’s words: Andragogy (it’s not what you think it is).