a turning point? that’s what recently happened in my life - when i quit my official political duties, after having been a member of the state government for 24 years, plus 11 years of being governor. in all these years my schedule had been pretty tight. it was a stressful job, lots and lots of work, with many conflicts to solve, including difficult questions, needs, fears and worries. but i had great people who supported me, and i did my part of the work with vigour until i left in oktober 2005. thank god, my decision was accepted and respected. at this time i was 67 years old, and ready to start into a new life - without being run by my highly competent office organizers with a meticulously structured daily schedule.

now in the mornings i’m able to think about: what is going to happen today? what are you looking forward to? what could you avoid? what can you make short? what could you prolong? where can you learn something new? and in the evenings before falling asleep - i’m watching my ‘internal movie of the day’ - acknowledging that there was something familiar, but something new and exciting as well. suddenly i realize, that i can learn. after primarily ‘functioning’ for many decades - i am learning again. learning to develop and explore my creative sides.

playing the piano for my whole lifetime was fine, i rarely had enough time for it. now i play with a completely different intensity and inspiration. it’s quite similar with painting. somehow i always used to make little sketches, and suddenly i realize, that i’m able to do water colours, curate an exhibition and sell my art - a completely new experience. these are wonderful stories.

having time for my grand children - this is something that only works, if you really take time for it. time to be open for them, neither holding big speeches, nor imposing instructions or advice on them. time for listening: what do they really want? what do they consider beautiful? what do they dream of? then - one sun after the other begins to shine - such a little child discovering her old, loving grandfather and developing trust and nearness. when our grandchildren are visiting here in our place, and one of these little hands is finding its way into my hand and holding on to it - that’s indiscribably beautiful. such moments leave me with a feeling of happiness - that’s way better than being governor for 20 years