I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised when the retirement year thrust me into all kinds of unexpected events as that's a natural result of changing your daily routine and patterns. The challenge with these unexpected events is how to deal with them in ways that are positive. When you don't expect an event, and perhaps you have little experience with that kind of event, there's the likelihood that however you respond won't be perfectly right.
So as I consider the many unexpected events I've encountered, more than knowing exactly what I'll do, I have to hold on to a number of values that will guide my way.
Information share
I've been learning a lot about information share and the myriad of responses that go with that. Some share little to no information, others share too much, and still more share sometimes and not other times. Personally, I am a fan of information share because when information is not shared in good time or with sufficient detail in the end time and capacity is often lost. Yet, I agree that there can be times when too much information is a problem, and even times when sharing the news or details of a situation may not be the right thing to do. Despite some people's dissatisfaction with information share, I'll continue to share if I think the information is important when it comes to valuable life events, people, and decisions. I'll do what I can to make the information available, but not overwhelming.
Honesty and Respect
The older I get, the more I want to make sure that I am honest and respectful--those are way of being that I respect and seek to model.
No conjecture, judgement, or projection
Too many issues are caused by undue conjecture, judgement, or projection. I value letting people live the good lives they've chosen, and I value finding out the facts rather than conjecturing or projecting.
Contribution
As much as possible I want to seek ways to be a helper--I like helping others when I can, and I am so appreciative when others help me. I believe we all profit from helping one another.
Kindness
I want to be a kind person who treats people well. I know how hurtful it is when people treat you with unkind words and actions. I don't want to be that person.
Do the right thing
People will sometimes lead you down paths you don't agree with and feel are wrong. You have to resist that kind of push and do the right thing.