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The Big R Retirement Recap...

...which might also be titled, "Very little that I had in mind six months ago seems particularly relevant today."

I've been meaning to do a recap on retirement at the six month milestone, and at the request of one of my most devoted readers, K, I am looking back.

When I retired at the beginning of June I had three major concerns.

I'd be lonely.
I'd gain a lot of weight.
I'd spend my days shopping and would spend lots of money aimlessly.

No, no and more no.

I'm not lonely, though I realized I am a very social person. There are times I need to plan more activities with friends. At those times I reach out, but I don't have feelings of being alone in the world.

I weigh two pounds more than I did when I retired, but I'm sure it's more from a lack of exercise because of the broken bone in my foot, than eating. I start physical therapy in the next ten days and plan to be back to a more active exercise schedule after the first of the year.

I do very little shopping and don't find it especially interesting at all. I can barely get myself in a store and buy very little on-line unless it's something I've thought about. I've got a few sweaters that need replacing, but I probably won't get to the stores until after the first of the year for this, too. I may make an exception and when I go to Macy's to take pictures I will try on sweaters. Yes, I'm that old-fashioned. I like to try clothes on before I buy them.  

I signed up for a senior program the month after I retired, primarily for the exercise classes. The program is first-rate and I like the classes, but I don't participate in many of the other activities. I also signed up for volunteer programs and they, too, are great. But I'm not sure any of this is for me. I signed up for activities I knew about and they worked for a transition to not working. They were the things I knew, not the things I dreamed.

I had a travel list, but I've realized a number of places have been on it forever and are not necessarily places I wanted to visit now. I kept thinking I'd go on a "big" trip, but I haven't and it's not a priority. I have enjoyed the four trips I've taken a lot, but with the exception of Orlando, there wasn't one new place on the list. I learned I especially enjoy spending time with friends and learning new things at conferences.

My main goal was blogging and writing and this has been an unqualified pleasure. Yes, I almost lost my nerve a few months ago and started to look for a job, but that was a blip on the radar. I'm still a little wary to describe myself as a writer, but it's beginning to feel more comfortable. I'll report back on that in six months.

Moving forward...There are two major areas of focus, but they deserve their own post down the road. I do have a "big" trip planned, but that, too, gets its own post. My travel plans are looking more to the United States and I definitely plan to attend another blog conference -- or two! I'm reading, I'm writing, I'm spending time with friends and I'm really enjoying New York City. I can't ask for more.

It turns out my cold was actually bronchitis and I'm taking it easy. With a  second day of antibiotics I'm feeling better. As always, thanks for visiting and take good care of yourself!


13 comments

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

It's great that you've tried different things and are learning what works for you and what doesn't. And by all means call yourself a writer. That's so exciting that you're finding so much pleasure in it!

I hope you feel better soon.

TARYTERRE said...

Glad to hear your bronchitis is improving.

Pondside said...

It's good to read such an upbeat review of retirement. It's what I imagine when I think of it - and I think of it often!

Becky K. said...

You are finding your way very nicely. The world is not going to be able to keep up with you now that your foot has been freed from that boot. :-)

Lynn said...

Bronchitis, gee whiz but those antibiotics should clear it up, poor you! Now this is a very smart way of approaching retirement..well done. I can see Becky K's comment above, I with her! :-)

Theresa said...

Retirement is just a new way of living and enjoying it:) I know that first hand! Enjoy your day dear friend, HUGS!

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

It sounds like you are settling into retirement nicely. It's nice to have more time for friends and family too. I've spent more time with my grandchildren than ever before and have enjoyed that. To do what you want with each day id the greatest. It's now our choice and not someone else's. That to me is what is great about retirement. Hope you are feeling better soon. The meds should do the trick.

Linda said...

Thanks for making me chuckle. My husband has been retired for 6 yrs now, thanks to series of strokes..anyway..enjoy your retirement. Glad to hear your feeling better. Blessings

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

You sound like you are doing everything right. I began many new adventures in my first year of retirement and some I continue to do and others went on the "been there, done there" pile. I am also a very social person and at times get lonely, but I have learned to cope much better as time has gone by.

Your retirement may just be the biggest and best adventure of your life.

Dee said...

Dear Carol, it's so good to come back to your blog, after my being away for a month on vacation, and to find you posting about retirement. I've been retired since 2001 (so 12 years) and it took me about six or seven of those years before I really let go of scheduling my day and trying to cram in activities so as to feel that I'd accomplished something each day.

Now, I'm grateful for the solitude and for the feeling that few things "have" to be done each day.

I'm happy for you that your retirement is proving to be so enjoyable and so life-giving. Peace.

Sharon said...

Can't believe it's been six months since we met and you retired! I think you've done a terrific job of adjusting. It's fun keeping up with your life in NYC.

Nellie said...

I like the way you are working through your retirement adjustment, Buttercup! Also, good that you have antibiotics for your bronchitis. That is not fun at any time, and certainly not at this busy season!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I'm retired and I'm having a ball. It frees you to make choices and that gives you so much freedom. I'm very active and stay busy all the time. It's great! And you live in a wonderful city to enjoy your life and have lots of interesting things to do! Hugs!