I didn’t realize how important discomfort would be during my journey from retired teacher to something else. I knew there would be challenges and change. But, I didn’t understand how essential it would be to accept feeling uncomfortable, and to realize that it’s a good thing. The Familiar Is Comfortable My automatic reaction to discomfort… Continue reading Getting Familiar With Discomfort
Tag: retired
Too Independent?
We did it ourselves. Those born in the 1960’s and 1970’s muddled through without the supports available now. We managed to take care of ourselves while our parents worked. We took ourselves places on our bikes, or on the bus, without the safety net of a cell phone to stay in touch. I hesitate to… Continue reading Too Independent?
Spread The Recognition
NOTE: This article was originally posted November 3, 2023. At this time of year, it’s understandable to feel low and unmotivated. It’s getting a lot colder outside. The daylight hours are shrinking and cozy blankets are calling me to hibernate on the couch. At least, I thought that might be my problem when I couldn’t… Continue reading Spread The Recognition
Banishing The “Shoulds”
I didn’t question how I spent my time and energy for most of my life. I just did the things: work, family, running a home. I was on automatic pilot. There were plenty of signals in society that pointed me to what I was supposed to be doing. “It’s the right thing to be successful,… Continue reading Banishing The “Shoulds”
How are you enjoying retirement?
Note: This Article was written when retirement was very new to me, 2023/01/12. A Loaded Question 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… Continue reading How are you enjoying retirement?
Dream Big!
Do you have big dreams? For some, retiring in midlife means learning to adapt to a different rhythm of life, developing new social connections, and finding a hobby or two that they’re passionate about. It’s about spending time with family, and that may include grandchildren. There’s nothing wrong with this version of life. It sounds… Continue reading Dream Big!
The Secret Holiday
Recently, a friend shared that she was astounded by her friend’s 50th birthday choice: a secret holiday. He took himself away from his family (wife and kids) for a 2 week holiday at a secret location that he didn’t share with, or talk to anyone about, before or after he went.* He wanted to travel… Continue reading The Secret Holiday
A Checklist Of Retirement Experiences
Note: This article was first published 2023/03/24. Revised. Retirement websites often distill life after retiring to a list of things that you can check off one-by-one.* From a drained, working person’s perspective, it’s an enticing list of wonderful possibilities. I’ve found that the lists vastly over-simplify life after retiring. They make it look like an… Continue reading A Checklist Of Retirement Experiences
Recovering From Unplanned Naps
I hate taking a nap. It’s not the actual sleep part that bothers me. It’s that feeling that I get when I wake up. I will fight myself and resist falling asleep in the afternoon, even when I’m sleep deprived, to avoid the awful groggy consequences. It just doesn’t seem worth it. Napping was… Continue reading Recovering From Unplanned Naps
Life Is Different Now
Life will not be easier when you retire. There. I’ve said it. Despite what financial institutions might tell you in their ads about living a free and easy life, life isn’t easier. It’s different. The Good Stuff There are many, benefits. The flexibility to do things when you want to and not when your job… Continue reading Life Is Different Now
