Author: andnowwhatcaroline

Goals Make Me Happy

Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels.com

When I was working, my goals were aligned with what I wanted to achieve for my students and in my teaching practice. They gave my days purpose and direction. As a retired person, I find that I need to set goals to give me a sense of purpose. Now, my goals are purely personal and… Continue reading Goals Make Me Happy

Internalized Ageism

Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels.com

How do I feel about aging?  Retirement comes with the acknowledgement that time has passed and I am older… old. Then the internal conflict begins: I don’t feel old. I don’t want to be old. Do I? Seniors’ Day At Shoppers It’s that incongruous feeling that I got for the first time many years ago… Continue reading Internalized Ageism

Who Are You?

Photo by Brett Jordan on Pexels.com

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 retired teacher?  That’s an identity that I’m not sure I want to assume.  An Opportunity Retirement is a chance to become something new; to grow, and to put all my energy… Continue reading Who Are You?

How are you enjoying retirement?

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

How are you enjoying retirement?  It’s a frequently asked question from my still-working colleagues and friends as they greet me. That is a loaded question. They mean well, I know. They probably really wish that they were retired. Working full-time is exhausting. I just smile and mumble something like, “It’s good.” But, really? Really, it’s… Continue reading How are you enjoying retirement?

Smooth Move

Photo by Brady Knoll on Pexels.com

You have to start somewhere and thinking about starting isn’t the same as diving in.“ I’ve noticed that there are different approaches to being retired and those with the side gig seem to have the smoothest transition. I am not one of those and because you are reading this, I expect that you are not… Continue reading Smooth Move