It’s not a new idea. For more than a decade people have shunned using the word “retire.”* It creates a visceral gut-punch response from active, and engaged folks who find themselves at that point in their lives where they’re leaving full-time careers. We know that we’ve technically retired from our jobs, but don’t call us… Continue reading Reclaiming The Word Retire
Author: Caroline@retiredandnowwhat.ca
I'm a life coach discovering the opportunities and growth in midlife and beyond.
Old Ideas Made Modern
Say what you will about the ills of modern culture, it does come up with some delightful new names for things. The internet takes something that your grandmother would recognize as part of her life, and turns it into something that appears to be a whole new idea, just by attaching a catchy name to… Continue reading Old Ideas Made Modern
An Adaptable Routine With Energy Accounting
Developing a basic daily routine was something that evolved over the first couple of years, as I transitioned out of teaching, through becoming a student, to finally starting my own business. My daily routine became a base but it’s not static. It does require adjustments throughout the week. I’m keenly aware of burnout these days… Continue reading An Adaptable Routine With Energy Accounting
Night Owls and Early Birds: Creating A Routine
Once I retired from my stressful work schedule, I realized that I needed to create my own routine. Drifting aimlessly from day to day wasn’t an option for me. I felt stressed and unfocused. Nothing got done! A routine is essential part of a healthy life for three main reasons: What a great opportunity this… Continue reading Night Owls and Early Birds: Creating A Routine
Shaking Up What You Think You Know About Yourself.
Have you ever seen the moon when it’s on the horizon? It looks massive and yet we know it hasn’t changed size. It’s a matter of our perspective: the way our brains are processing the information. Did you know that if you look upside down at the same moon, it will appear its normal size?*… Continue reading Shaking Up What You Think You Know About Yourself.
“Put yourself in a position where you can never be lonely.”
“Put yourself in a position where you can never be lonely.” I keep returning to these words, spoken to me in a conversation by a woman I’d just met. “Put yourself in a position where you can never be lonely.” Regularly Reach Out With Texts It’s a hopeful statement that empowers each of us. We… Continue reading “Put yourself in a position where you can never be lonely.”
A Cat, A Dog, And Routines That Stick
I resist a routine at the same time as really craving one. It’s a paradox that became glaringly obvious when I left the schedule of full-time work. When I retired, I both loved the flexibility of doing whatever I liked with a day, while at the same time feeling lost when I drifted without focus.… Continue reading A Cat, A Dog, And Routines That Stick
Teaching Partners: Turning Good Intentions Into Actions
Every February, there was a literary convention in town, Reading For The Love Of It.* It was a highlight on the calendar that was sorely needed when we were in the months of snowsuits, puddles of wet slush, lost mittens, and damp socks. It re-energized me to see all the newly published books, get some… Continue reading Teaching Partners: Turning Good Intentions Into Actions
Who Are You?
NOTE: Written below are the raw reactions that I had years ago, when I was newly retired from teaching. If you’ve recently retired, perhaps you can relate. Originally published January, 2023. Suddenly I’m not me anymore and it’s jarring. All my adult life I’ve been a teacher. It’s who I was. But what is a… Continue reading Who Are You?
The Thrill Of Learning A New Skill
What’s a skill that you were thrilled to learn last year? I am delighted to have just finished knitting my second pair of socks. I really surprised myself with how much satisfaction I got from this, and how proud I am for creating a fun, wearable, item. It Happened “Out Of The Blue” Last year,… Continue reading The Thrill Of Learning A New Skill
Retired, And Now What? 