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Reflecting on a Time of Change for Me
by Monica A. Frank, PhD

I haven't written much lately because I have been busy wrapping up my old life to start a new life. Recently, I retired from my clinical practice which also involved selling my home and moving to another part of the state. Having grown up and lived in the suburbs of a large metropolitan area, I will now be adjusting to living on forty acres in a very rural area. Instead of a clinical practice, I will be able to focus more on my writing and app development.

Although this change in my life is by choice and something I am looking forward to, change involves loss. I will miss the direct contact I have with clients. I will miss the tears and the laughter. I will miss sharing their successes and commiserating over their losses. I feel fortunate that so many people have allowed me into their lives. And not only them—but their families. It feels like I have been part of their families even when I have never met them. As a clinical psychologist I feel privileged to have shared so intimately in people's lives. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to pursue a career that I love and feel passionate about.

Even though I am retiring from my clinical practice, I now have the good fortune to continue to pursue not only my passion in psychology but also my love of writing and (believe it or not) computer programming. Five years ago I would never have guessed that my life would take this turn and that all my passions would intersect in such a way. But since they have, I need to follow this path.

So, for right now, I'm settling in. But what this will mean is that I will be able to write more in the future and expand the resources I have available at Excel At Life.