Another new beginning – a big one!
RETIREMENT
The first day of the rest of my life, as they say.
Yikes, a bunch of events all happened at the same time – the holidays, the last week and day at work, my birthday, my sister’s death, and a 5-day trip to Southern California for the funeral. Given all that, the acknowledgement of my retirement was put on the back burner.
So, today, a Monday, is the first day the realization of my freedom is settling in, though it’s been almost 2 weeks since my last day of work. I can’t tell you how great last night – Sunday evening – felt knowing I didn’t have to get up early this morning to commute 38 miles one way and face whatever stressors work would throw at me. I’m especially grateful for not having to leave the house this morning since it is -2º below zero or whatever ridiculously crazy temp it is here in Minnesota today.
But, now what??
I have some very vague plans of how I want to spend my time as I live out the last third of my life. And, it is of course, uncertain if it really will turn out to be a third of my life. Sometimes I wish I had a crystal ball to determine just how many years I do have left. With the recent death of my sister, I am aware it is now my generation’s time to start cashing it in. A sobering realization! I really do want to make the most of whatever time I have left on this earth.
During these last few months as I pondered my impending retirement and what I would do to fill my time, I thought in terms of a schedule – a plan to guide me through the days of the week. You know, like, Mondays – laundry, Tuesdays – special projects, Wednesdays – volunteer work, Thursdays – errand day, Fridays – clean the house, Saturdays – time for fun activities…movies, sporting events, gatherings with family & friends, and Sundays – recognize the Sabbath and do nothing involving work, a time for contemplation, reading and meditation.
But, the likelihood of sticking to such a rigid schedule is probably ridiculous. (Though, I am doing laundry today – Monday – as I write this!) Perhaps it would be better to fly by the seat of my pants and see where I land each day. I won’t say I’ll go where the wind blows me, as we all know I try to ignore the wind, my least favorite weather element.
I don’t know how this is all going to play out but I am extremely grateful that I have the opportunity to choose to go with the flow and see what happens, or to actually re-design my life. And, that really is the essence of what retirement should be – a time to relax and just be, but be able to also do whatever I want!
My friend, Mary, from one of my book groups told me about a Quaker saying that seems appropriate to give as an answer when people ask me what I’m going to do now that I’m retired.
I will proceed as the way opens!
Seems like that would be a good mantra to adopt.
I would love to hear how any of you have dealt with the new gift of time afforded you by your retirement. Please feel free to leave comments below. For now, I will try out this schedule I have created and see how it works – no promises that I will keep it, it could change tomorrow!
Maybe Monday is the Retired Folks Laundry Day cause that’s what I’m doing today too. As much as I tried to fit a schedule very similar to what you described into my weeks, it just didn’t happen that way. My first (and only) bit of advice: don’t shop on weekends! During the week is so much better. But, seriously, I like your new mantra and the only thing that works for me is just going with the flow. Unless, of course, we’re put into service with our grandsons. Then drop everything.
Thanks, Nancy. I do look forward to being able to be called into service, so to speak, with the grandsons. They are growing up so fast – need to capture all the moments we can. And, I will avoid shopping on the weekends!
Hi Maggie,
Welcome to the ranks of “everyday is Saturday”.
It has been 3 years for me and I still wake up grateful for the gift of retirement. One difference for me is that now when I wake up it is usually after a solid 8 hours of sleep. When I worked my sleep was not as restful as it is now. It is a wonderful feeling to sleep well every night.
I want to let you know of a fantastic opportunity for retirees, Osher Life Long Learning, or OLLI. It is run by the U’s continuing education department and members pay $210/year for classes that are held 4 quarters/year. The classes are mostly academic subjects, with no credits, reading, homework or tests. Just show up and learn. They are held throughout the community at various locations and are taught by retired professors or professionals. I usually take 2 classes a quarter and it has really added a wonderful dimension to my retired life. Google them if you are interested.
I also take yoga, became active in my local garden club, which has led to some volunteer opportunities, and I play pickle ball, which is like an old person’s tennis. Like you I realize that we are headed towards the end of our days, and I work hard at being healthy and hopefully I will be rewarded with longevity.
I’m sure you will enjoy retirement; I really feel like these are the best days of my life. The days seem to go very fast, and I want each one to count.
Enjoy!
I think you’ll like retirement, Maggie. I slipped right into my new found freedom three years ago. I thought that at last I could do needed projects like painting, organizing closets, getting rid of clutter, etc. I have done a bit of that, but I have concentrated on my own well being. I don’t have a regular schedule, but I make sure I do my stretches and get in a walk every day. I need to keep all of my connections and I see friends and make time for my sisters. Tom and I have found that week days are the best for movies, shopping, eating out. Every day is different. If I really feel that I need to get something done, I will pick a day and put it on the calendar and stick to it. If I am needed to take care of my grandchildren for a day, I feel grateful that I am able to do it. Sometimes Tom and I can just take them on an outing during the week. Time flies by–you won’t be looking to fill your time. You will wonder how you had time to work.
Thanks so much for your great comments, Sue. I think, to a degree, we are kindred spirits. I will be checking the life long learning opportunity out; love the idea of learning without homework! Still working on the good night’s sleep, but the best part is not having to awaken to an alarm. Love your positive attitude!
Thank you, Mary, for your comments. I agree that personal connections are very important so will be working on sustaining friendships. I think I have read that people who have friends and interact with them regularly live longer. I am also stepping up my exercise program to include something each day – that didn’t always happen when I was working. Thanks for being one of my readers; I always appreciate your comments.
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