I am filled with gratitude having been able to reach the stage of retirement. It’s finally here and interestingly enough I have very mixed feelings about the fact of not working. Now what! I don’t have to be on time anywhere unless it’s an appointment or commitment that I have made. There is such a feeling of freedom and yet at the same time a feeling of should I be doing something else with my time right now. There is the feeling of being on a perpetual vacation. One has planned many years on how and when to retire.
New Beginnings
Once retired like any new beginning takes adjustment. I found that when I scheduled some activities on a weekly basis it felt like I was able to get more in a set routine which for me was comforting. I signed up with the local YMCA and take Yoga 3 times a week. The class is at noon, it’s interesting to see the others who attend a class in the middle of the day! It’s nice to visit with the class members and start new yoga connections.
I walk daily with both of my dogs Lily a Schnoodle and Lucy a mini Bernedoodle in the morning which all of us love. In fact, around 11:00 both dogs start coming around knowing it’s time for their walk. I must admit some days I may not feel so inclined to go for a walk. However, seeing their eyes of anticipation and excitement is always the ticket to a guaranteed walk.
I am in Upstate New York and our weather, particularly in the winter, can be quite cold. But we always go for a walk. The only time we don’t go for a walk is if it’s below 10 degrees or if it is hotter than 75. It really has become a special time for both the dogs and me. It’s also another way to exercise and during the walk I can listen to a podcast, visit on the phone or simply enjoy being outdoors.
Retirement
Another benefit of being retired is being able to have the time during the day, for example to go food shopping without having a time constraint.
During my work years I could only go shopping after work or on the weekends. Always being crunched for time and looking at food shopping as a necessary evil never made it relax. Now, if there is a line at the cashier it’s not an added stressor. I still would prefer going to a cashier without a line, but it does not create an additional stressor. I have found Food shopping during the week is so much more relaxing and less crowded.
One needs to understand that there will be many different feelings that arise with this new stage of retirement. Feeling like a boat without a rudder is totally normal. A variety of feelings can come up, feeling lost, anxious and overwhelmed are all part of letting go of routine you have had for a long time and the beginning of creating a new purpose, carving out a new routine.
Give yourself grace and time. It’s a day-by-day transition, some days are better than others. Each day is a fresh start and do-overs are always possible. It’s not work. Your days do not have to be filled with stuff or always be busy. I found I needed to give myself permission to have fun and allow the day to be relaxing which can look different each time.
Thanks for being here,
-S
Want to learn more about me? Check out my About Me