I am now at a level that I did not give any thought to while in my younger ‘never grow up’ days.  A little older, my thought was to keep going and avoid it entirely.  After all, this was only for old people no longer wanted or useful.  A rocking chair in some quiet corner or a place to sit on a porch from morning to evening was all they wanted.  Over the years, I gained a much broader perspective.   My viewpoints changed when I had the opportunity to know many who expressed the delight that the journey in this realm brought them.  As I crept closer to my ‘magic number,’ aka retirement age, I was overwhelmed with excitement and the anticipation of living my life in a new way.  I looked forward to a period of absolute relaxation, no longer living by the clock, away from stressors and emergencies of others.  Even more, I was ready to live intentionally and embrace the new possibilities that lay ahead.  I can honestly say, with my new found activities I am having so much fun. At times, I feel guilty.  I often tell myself, you should have retired sooner!

Darrel’s initial retirement experience was much different from my own.  He feels as though he has worked his entire life. Beginning at the age of ten when he worked at Mr. Matthew’s Fish Market as a fishmonger. In his early 60’s, while working at a bank, he knew he was ready to throw in the towel.  Mentally and physically tired, Darrel was considering his next move.  At the time, the bank was going through a transition.  He took full advantage of the retirement opportunity that presented itself.  During the first couple of months, it took Darrel a while to adjust to not being on a schedule.  He was gaining weight and no longer had a routine.  Darrel said after doing yard work and projects, he had a difficult time filling his day.  He decided to accept a position working at an organization providing counseling and community services.  Darrel says it is fulfilling to be a part of something that benefits many in need.  He said now his retirement is balanced.  Darrel prefers to work on home projects we have always talked about doing instead of traveling. He loves it when the grandchildren come spend time with us.  He has plans to take our garden to the next level so that we are more self-sustainable.  Darrel pointed out that for the first time it was now just the two of us.  He said he is looking forward to what we will do together.

Retirees are a close-knit tribe. We celebrate and welcome those who reach this milestone. Whether retiring from outside employment, running a business, or running a home, we all make the transition away from the long-held daily routine.  Most of us take advantage of the first few months we retire to break the hustle-bustle cycle that had driven our lives for so long.  We take time to slow down and to find our balance.  We take time out for much needed self-care.  We reset and recalibrate. In control of our time, we take responsibility for how we spend it. With new priorities, we focus on people and relationships over things. We allow ourselves to continue to grow and forgive ourselves when we make mistakes.  We stop second-guessing ourselves and live free from the judgments and condemnations of others.  Calmer, kinder, and more knowledgeable, we are now ready to take the world back on.

Retirees add value to communities by volunteering and serving others. We take our expertise back into the workforce full or part-time, or become mentors. We start new businesses or restructure existing ones.  As couples, we strengthen our bonds. We spend time with our precious grandchildren.  We make time for family and friends. Through our texts, email, postal mail, and telephone calls, we let people know they are in our thoughts.   We are students of every kind of class imaginable.  We learn new skills and revisit things put on hold over the years.  We have thought provoking conversations becoming more open minded and less judgmental.  We travel and have exciting adventures.  We compose and we create. We play, compete, set and break records.  We encourage, inspire, and enlighten. We share our experiences and testimonies with others.  We care. 

To quote my volleyball teammate Nancy who, along with other activities, happily volunteers at Meals on Wheels and ushers at the Grand Opera House, “our dance cards are full!”

To my amazing tribe, take the time to relax, reset, and recalibrate as often as needed.

Amanda ❤️

PS:  To the F.I.R.E. community, Much Respect!

Photo by Jill Wellington from Pexels; Thumbnail Photo by Jeremy Mosley from Pexels