After I wrote my last post back in December, I decided to take some time away from blogging. I had been thinking about closing my blog for a while and wanted to use the time to make a final determination. Would I miss blogging too much, or would I enjoy exploring other pursuits more. I figured a month or so away would help me make the decision.
Now, after the “month or so” has turned into more than half a year, I’ve decided that it’s time to clear off my mental desk and make room for other priorities. It’s time to move on from blogging.
I started RetirementallyChallenged in 2013 to give myself an outlet for my writing. Little did I know then that my blog would give me so much more. Starting my blog was one of the best post-retirement decisions I made. Many of you have touched my life deeply and have become treasured friends, both virtual and IRL. I’ve had adventures, learned new things, and have expanded my universe because of my connections with you. Thank you for reading, commenting, and sharing my journey. The blogging community is a special one and I am so grateful to have been a part of it.
I will keep my site open for a while. If you’d like to stay in touch, please send me a note through my Contact Me page and we’ll find a way to connect.
Copyright © 2026 RetirementallyChallenged.com – All rights reserved.
Discover more from Retirementally Challenged
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Retirementally Challenged 
Noooo, say not so! I totally understand, Janis! We’ll always be friends and I’ll visit when I’m in SD, or perhaps if visit north!
Love all the pics of your blog meet-ups. Wonderful memories!
I’ll miss you! You were part of the West Coast posse of bloggers who always seemed to have fun. Enjoy your new endeavors and live big!
I hated to hit ‘like,’ but I totally understand. I wish you and your husband all the best whether you are at home or on the road to your next adventure. Wishing you good health and happiness.
Janis, I know you and your husband like to travel. The world awaits you, or you can just enjoy relaxing in your own backyard. Best of luck to you.
I’m so sorry to see you go, Janis. You have been a special part of my life, and I do still hope to meet you in person one day. It’s fun to see you with other friends I know from blogging. Everything you write has meaning, so I hope you won’t quit writing. 🙂 xxx
Janis, I’ve always enjoyed your blog–your travels and adventures, your observations, your facility with words, and your outlook on life. Wishing you more joyful adventures as you move on. Glad to have connected with you over the years.
I’m sure you will enjoy your new/ish creative outlets Janis and thank you for connecting with me over the years. The world really is a small place and who knows we may even meet one day. All the best, Janis.
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog, even for a short time Janis. All the best to you and I hope you find some interesting adventures and new pursuits to enjoy 🙂
Hi, Janis – RetirementallyChallenged was the first blog that I ever followed and I have learned so much from you. Thank you for being an awesome teacher and an incredible friend. Your room is ready for the next time you and Paul visit! ❤
Although only ever on the fringe of the blog world you built I always enjoyed our interactions. Best of luck as you carve a new path.
I understand completely. I will miss you. I wish you only the very best my friend.
I often wonder what would fill the gap in my life if I step away, but it sounds like you’ve found the answer, and I wish you many years of enjoyment, Janis. Thank you for your presence at my place, and for always making me think xx
I am sorry to read this, Janis, though I had noticed your prolonged absence so am not entirely surprised. I’m glad you came back to say goodbye and did not just disappear into the ether as some do. I think that of the group of North American bloggers I met around the same time as you only Liesbet remains active, and of course she’s back in Europe now. What you are doing is not uncommon it seems – my blog feed has shrunk a lot in the last couple of years and I haven’t unfollowed anyone. I’m considering the same myself, although not until next year, because it is becoming a chore. Life has ebbs and flows and a lot more writing for walks and talks seems to be flowing my way so something has to ebb! It remains to wish you all the best for the future. I’ve enjoyed your virtual company over the years. I think I was first directed to your blog because someone, maybe Jo, said you had written a post about libraries. I thought you must be a good ‘un then and so it turned out!