Over the years I have found immense pleasure in writing about the professional journeys of great friends and colleagues in the early childhood field. Today’s column—my last—will be a little different, as I write about my own journey to retirement at the end of July 2021.

Nancy Rosenow (left) with new Exchange Publisher, Tara Schroder (right).

Two years ago, a column I wrote called “The Joy of Letting Go” described how I felt when my colleague Tara Schroder took the lead for our team in putting on the 2019 World Forum on Early Care and Education. I was not able to attend at the last minute due to a sudden health challenge. What started as disappointment turned quickly to admiration for Tara, and excitement at watching her thrive as a leader. Today, that excitement has reached a new level, as I gratefully hand over to Tara my role as publisher of Exchange. You can learn more about Tara on page 55.

When Dimensions Foundation, which I led for the past 39 years, purchased Exchange Press from good friends and founders Roger and Bonnie Neugebauer, it was certainly the beginning of a grand new adventure. Sara Gilliam, who came on board as editor-in-chief, along with an amazing team (listed on page 4), have been remarkable colleagues who have also become dear friends. Their admiration for the work of early care and education shines through on every page of the magazine, as well as in the books and training resources they produce. And what a joy it has been to work side-by-side with my husband John, who retired as CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation to serve as Dimensions’ development director. I will be forever grateful to have had the privilege of working with such an exceptional team, to create resources for a field I value more than any other.

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So—what to say about the joy of change? Just that it is a choice whether to find it or not. We can fight change, but we will always lose. Instead, I choose to embrace the joy of new beginnings, finding great satisfaction in watching valued co-workers step up to lead Exchange to greater heights.

What a wonderful journey I have been on. Thank you, dear readers, for your marvelous company along the way.

I love this excerpt from a Mary Oliver poem and am embracing its wisdom to guide my next steps:

“Instructions for living a life.
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.”

I cannot wait to see what the future brings.