I'm at the point where I feel like it's time for me to start working on interesting projects. I just began the literature review for a nonfiction book about close-knit communities in the United States. I'm picking up photography again and meeting with new people from all walks of life to hear their stories.

It's going alright! I take care of my elderly parents, and I've been socially isolated since the pandemic, but I'm breaking out of my shell.

Reading sociological books and classic novels, listening to classical and folk music, going for walks in nature, having interesting conversations with friends and strangers, cooking comfort foods from various cultures, going on day trips.

Making sure I take care of myself, not just other people.

The best quotation I've come across recently: “Let me make the songs of a nation, and I care not who makes its laws.” Andrew Fletcher, Scottish writer

I'm in my mid-30s and mid-career in academia pondering a career change to try something new. While I feel solidly settled in Sacramento, I've lived in California for 6 years and in some ways, living in this state feels like a bit of a vacation still, which is a pretty special feeling. I bought a house in 2020 because of a change in my housing situation early in the pandemic and not wanting to negotiate COVID boundaries with someone new, I'm surprised to find that I've leaned into the whole domestic situation and fixing things up. I worked hard my first several years here to build a network of friends, and find at this stage in life I'm forming closer friendships based on shared activities, like golfing, paddleboarding, hiking, talking book recs, trivia nights, etc. I'd love to meet more folks who also like to get out and talk over shared hobbies.

I feel pretty fortunate overall. I can get a bit down the rabbit hole of wondering what else is out there to explore like I'm not doing enough, but I have a wonderful relationship with my mother and really close friends, and I really cherish that. The last few years were an unfortunate culmination of grief from the loss of a close family member plus burnout, but I'm coming out of it with slightly tentative excitement for whatever's next. Leaning into all of the fun outdoor stuff to get into in NorCal helps break up feelings of monotony.

I moved out here fresh out of a breakup and not knowing anyone, so I took up boxing. 6 years later and I still find it to be an incredible stress-reliever. That, and I'm an endless hobbyist. I love learning and trying new things.

I have toyed with the idea of quitting drinking for a while for a variety of reasons, so I'm 12 days sans alcohol and really trying to honor that as hard as it can be in social situations where it feels like you're the only one not partaking. That, and self-compassion. Recovering perfectionist over here.

That setting up drip irrigation is like adult legos, but with tubing and water. There's numerous ways to put it all together, so it’s surprisingly forgiving.

learning how to drive, finally got in the habit of excercising and stretching, started traveling and making memories my childhood self could only daydream of.

I like to spend time with animals and really get to know them as individuals. My two dogs are getting old and I began goldfish keeping two years ago and its going great. Would love to start feeding local wildlife again like our pigeons and squirrels and if im lucky an opossum will visit.

I like to consider myself a regular at a few places... a ramen shop, coffee shop, and a local store. I've been illustrating for a decade or so and I'm happy I never grew out of the hobby but ideally I will explore new ones too.

Decorating my new room.

The existence of the word conglobation.

I'm 30. I'm in a hell of a better place than I was 11 years ago. I work to have a better life for me and the people around me.

It's going well. I'm in a place that allows me time to be who I am on the weekends. Work is work. But when I get home to be a nerd playing games or building gundams it's nice.

Any of my hobbies.be it building the gundams,playing video games, joining a dnd campaign....or even making soap,painting,candles...anything crafty is just as nice.

My family. Which is mostly my siblings and my niece who just came into this world not long ago.

I got into magic the gathering...somewhat addicted....

I'm in a phase where I'm reconciling my desires with my reality and deciding what I want my next phase of life to be like. I have a healthy orientation to work and balance it well with my personal life. But what kind of life work will be meaningful going forward? How I do I want this chapter of life to feel? It's exciting to have space and opportunity to think through the big questions.

It's good - peaceful, positive and drama free. I have friends, family and hobbies I enjoy.

Writing - creatively or in a journal, reading, learning something new, walks and laughing with loved ones keeps me sane and balanced. And when I get to travel or go to the coast it helps.

Loving family relationships, reciprocal and warm friendships, creativity and self-expression, freedom

The Equalizer is a getting a spinoff

Semi-retired, but I reserve the right to work again if conditions compel. Divorced for 4 years. Dabbled with online dating, which has resulted in a few new friends. Moved to the Sacramento area after living in SF, East Bay, and Marin for 35 years. I have many great friends around the country (and a few in Ecuador,) but I hardly have any friends nearby. I live 20 minutes east of Sacramento, so a Sac community would be ideal.

It’s actually pretty good. I have recently started taking some classes at Sac Comedy Spot (improv, stand-up, sketch writing) and I’ve enjoyed the connections and creative outlet. I’m never bored, but it would be great to build a local group of friends.

I like to walk a lot while listening to Audiobooks. I walk 3-5 miles a day or more and I enjoy mixing in hikes when the weather is a little better. I also have a few pinball machines, a pool table, and a sizable vinyl record collection. I play around with electronics as well—simple robotics, microcontrollers, leds, etc. I am hoping to connect with other makers as well. I had a group when I lived in Marin, but I haven’t found anything locally.

Making connections and clarifying what I want to do when I grow up. I have many hobbies and I travel for a couple of months when local temps are above 100. I would love to be able to do interesting things with local people with at least somewhat similar interests.

As mentioned, my experience with Sacramento Comedy Spot has been really wonderful. The connections with creative people have really sparked a fire. I’ve also been doing a deep dive with a virtual pinball table that I will be building from scratch.

Recently divorced from a two decade long relationship, shared time with two elementary school aged children, mid career and not looking for advancement for now.

after some therapy, deep self reflection, and reprioritizing… it’s good. There’s some thoughts about “imposter syndrome” but I really do feel like I’m the happiest I’ve been as an adult.

Getting enough sleep, working out 5-6 times a week, and learning to accept that I can’t control how other people feel/say/do, only how I react to it.

My kids… always being a better dad by making myself better & happier and rebuilding my relationships with the rest of my family and friends.

There’s always a choice, it’s whether or not you an accept the consequences… and I’m good with the choices that I’ve made. Are you?