Barbara Walters Faces Her Fears and Tries to Find Balance During Retirement

Who says you can't go home again?

On Dec. 12, Barbara Walters returned to ABC's 'The View.' As the audience screamed with delight, Barbara, 85, entered the studio arm in arm with Whoopi Goldberg and then got down to business, palling around with Rosie O'Donnell during a craft segment and offering a sneak peek at her '10 Most Fascinating People of 2014' special.

Still, a few telltale signs — Barbara remained seated for most of the taping and pressed her fingers to her temples — hinted that she may not be her usual energetic self.

Barbara on 'The View' in May 2014.

"Barbara really wasn't feeling her best that day," says an insider. "The producers made a couple of test runs for her segment, but they felt her timing was a bit off."

While Barbara is eager "to show she's the pro she's always been," says the insider, it can be a struggle.

Related Story: Barbara Walters Reveals Who's Still Left on Her Interview Wish List!

The newswoman — whose pioneering career spanned half a century before she bid farewell to 'The View' last May — is torn over her decision to retire.

"I look forward to not having every day planned or having to be at a certain place at a certain time." she said about her decision.

To read the full story on Barbara, pick up the new issue of ‘Closer Weekly,’ on newsstands now!