Richard

Richard may have been talking to me from New York, but I could feel his warm energy and big smile all the way at my desk in Minnesota.

A lifelong fitness enthusiast, Richard knows the power of movement for your physical and mental health. Whether working out in the community gym, playing pickleball at the YMCA, or just lifting weights in his villa, staying active is his way of releasing stress. Not a bad habit to have.

When I asked Richard for advice on dealing with stress that comes from life changes, like aging and loss, he pointed to the same philosophy that keeps him active — focusing on the present. Whether he’s lifting weights or lifting his spirits, he’s learning to take life one day at a time and not get ahead of himself.

For most of his career, Richard worked in corporate America, managing large waste management operations across New England. Life was all about planning ahead — big-picture thinking. But when his wife was diagnosed with ALS, his focus shifted. He became her caretaker, following the example set by his father, who had done the same years before for his mother. Even through the difficult days, Richard focused on what was right in front of him: exploring their options, being present, and making the most of the time they had.

When his wife passed away four years ago, Richard felt a deep void. Over the years, frequent moves had made them each other’s strongest connection. His four-bedroom house now felt like more of a burden, too big, too quiet. He knew it was time for a change — not just of space, but of community.

His daughter had settled in Rochester, and as fate would have it, his granddaughter worked a few nights a week in the dining room at Legacy at Clover Blossom. When Richard toured the community, he knew he was in the right place. 

Adapting to a more social environment only took a little time for him to adjust. “I had to walk, not run,” he admits. But he’s loving community life. “Having a social life is important for your mental state,” he says. These days, when Richard wants company, all he has to do is step outside — join friends for meals, enjoy live music, or take a class. His daughter and grandkids are nearby, and when he wants a quiet moment to unwind, he retreats to his villa with a good book (thrillers are his favorite).

He’s found his balance: movement, connection, and taking life one day at a time.

Listen to an excerpt from Richard's interview.

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