I agree with everything you said. I retired 10 years ago and I’m just now finally enjoying retirement! Grandkids, my garden, the birds out front, just quietly observing all the nature around me is completely satisfying for me. Now I wonder how I ever had time to work!
I completely understand. If you were like me, you went to work on days when you were tired and didn't want to, but you had to pay the bills, so you went anyway. Everything else had to wait until you could get to it, usually on the off days. some things just didn't get done. Yeah, retirement sounded sooo good, but then sometimes you wish you were working again. It was really about structure. It's important to create your own structure at your pleasing. But if you don't find something to get your out of bed in the morning, you will soon become stagnant. But I know you're busy with the garden and taking time to observe nature. Keep on keeping on living a serene peaceful life. That's what we all want to achieve, don't you agree?
I took up sewing again, make aprons and totes and book bags, tend to my garden, feed the birds, play with the kitten, spend time with the grandkids. Life is simpler now, but still enjoyable.
I'm so thankful to read this today as on the weekend, I attended an 80th birthday party held in a housing complex for folks aged 65 and over. Being 73, I wanted to check out what low cost housing options exist and so jumped at this chance that came in the form of a party.
I left the event with one thought - I DON'T want to age like this. There were no belly laughs, no stories of adventures or misadventures (unless of the medical variety), no shared plans of exploration. Just people whose life seemed to have shrunk to the size of the building they lived in. Quite frankly, I left feeling scared sh**less of my future.
But reading your post encourages me so much - you show that aging doesn't require the death of excitement, of joy, of our spirit.
I feel that way every time Im in an assisted living place, I know to some it brings peace and stability but I personally feel complete horror at the idea of it, I don't want that for myself
I understand fully what you are feeling. I purposely avoid senior centers because of helpless individuals. Some seniors have learned helplessness and Senior centers seem to help the attitude along. It's best to associate with younger people and people of your generation who believe they are not done living. There is so much to see and do and it actually helps your health both physical and emotional. I thing the emotional side is the strongest. But being 73, you may want to do some soul searching. It's wonderful to journal your thoughts and track them over time. While reflection lets you see the facts of how you feel and how you're changing in such a fast paced world. But please start living your dreams and you'll see you may start to feel younger not older.
I was disabled at 50 & am trying to find my life again in my 60s. I never thought about retirement, but as the saying goes, when man makes plans, god laughs, anyway. 😅
So much in this post rings true 💖. I like it being said that we learn to trust life & ourselves, & I absolutely adore, "As long as there is something to wonder about, there is a reason to get up in the morning." That gives words to what I have been holding out with & looking for, the gift of curiosity. With that childlike blessing, we need never grow old. Thank you!
Two of my favorites, Jane Fonda and Tina Turner both held the attitude of wonder "What's on the other side". Both were not afraid of death and both worked and discovered new reasons for living in theier 80's. Of course, Tina has passed and Jane is now 88 and started a new adventure of helping save our democracy. She uses her influence to try and make a difference for Americans. I appreciate her reaching out like this. Don't you?
Absolutely! GREAT power in the elder matriarchy. ‘teach the children well’. This is leadership, not letting ourselves be second guessed & put in no-win positions. Not conforming, but developing our own strengths. I wouldn't go back. I hesitate to say no more f*cks to give, but being much more clear on where those go. Much respect for those have gone before & faith & belief in the knowing of those taking up the torch next!
Through your writing you have become my mentor and guide. I am looking at my options in a few years and your travels are providing a road map of what to expect once I begin mine. Stay real and please, keep writing.
It's going to be "better than you think" right now. How don't know how close you are to doing this, but you could be preparing somewhat early. Maybe take a few close by weekend or holiday trips. Thanks for reading.
"I’ve learned that simplicity is not a sacrifice. It is a blessing." Carol, I absolutely love your sentence. How lucky we are when we realize how true that statement is!
I agree with everything you said. I retired 10 years ago and I’m just now finally enjoying retirement! Grandkids, my garden, the birds out front, just quietly observing all the nature around me is completely satisfying for me. Now I wonder how I ever had time to work!
Hi Cheryl,
I completely understand. If you were like me, you went to work on days when you were tired and didn't want to, but you had to pay the bills, so you went anyway. Everything else had to wait until you could get to it, usually on the off days. some things just didn't get done. Yeah, retirement sounded sooo good, but then sometimes you wish you were working again. It was really about structure. It's important to create your own structure at your pleasing. But if you don't find something to get your out of bed in the morning, you will soon become stagnant. But I know you're busy with the garden and taking time to observe nature. Keep on keeping on living a serene peaceful life. That's what we all want to achieve, don't you agree?
I took up sewing again, make aprons and totes and book bags, tend to my garden, feed the birds, play with the kitten, spend time with the grandkids. Life is simpler now, but still enjoyable.
Bravo for you! 🌻
Thank you Twig.
I'm so thankful to read this today as on the weekend, I attended an 80th birthday party held in a housing complex for folks aged 65 and over. Being 73, I wanted to check out what low cost housing options exist and so jumped at this chance that came in the form of a party.
I left the event with one thought - I DON'T want to age like this. There were no belly laughs, no stories of adventures or misadventures (unless of the medical variety), no shared plans of exploration. Just people whose life seemed to have shrunk to the size of the building they lived in. Quite frankly, I left feeling scared sh**less of my future.
But reading your post encourages me so much - you show that aging doesn't require the death of excitement, of joy, of our spirit.
I feel that way every time Im in an assisted living place, I know to some it brings peace and stability but I personally feel complete horror at the idea of it, I don't want that for myself
Hi Helen,
I understand fully what you are feeling. I purposely avoid senior centers because of helpless individuals. Some seniors have learned helplessness and Senior centers seem to help the attitude along. It's best to associate with younger people and people of your generation who believe they are not done living. There is so much to see and do and it actually helps your health both physical and emotional. I thing the emotional side is the strongest. But being 73, you may want to do some soul searching. It's wonderful to journal your thoughts and track them over time. While reflection lets you see the facts of how you feel and how you're changing in such a fast paced world. But please start living your dreams and you'll see you may start to feel younger not older.
I was disabled at 50 & am trying to find my life again in my 60s. I never thought about retirement, but as the saying goes, when man makes plans, god laughs, anyway. 😅
So much in this post rings true 💖. I like it being said that we learn to trust life & ourselves, & I absolutely adore, "As long as there is something to wonder about, there is a reason to get up in the morning." That gives words to what I have been holding out with & looking for, the gift of curiosity. With that childlike blessing, we need never grow old. Thank you!
Hi Kathy,
Two of my favorites, Jane Fonda and Tina Turner both held the attitude of wonder "What's on the other side". Both were not afraid of death and both worked and discovered new reasons for living in theier 80's. Of course, Tina has passed and Jane is now 88 and started a new adventure of helping save our democracy. She uses her influence to try and make a difference for Americans. I appreciate her reaching out like this. Don't you?
Absolutely! GREAT power in the elder matriarchy. ‘teach the children well’. This is leadership, not letting ourselves be second guessed & put in no-win positions. Not conforming, but developing our own strengths. I wouldn't go back. I hesitate to say no more f*cks to give, but being much more clear on where those go. Much respect for those have gone before & faith & belief in the knowing of those taking up the torch next!
Through your writing you have become my mentor and guide. I am looking at my options in a few years and your travels are providing a road map of what to expect once I begin mine. Stay real and please, keep writing.
Hi Jan,
It's going to be "better than you think" right now. How don't know how close you are to doing this, but you could be preparing somewhat early. Maybe take a few close by weekend or holiday trips. Thanks for reading.
It is certainly freeing and gives the soul new space
Beautiful!! So awesome to see you out living your adventure and not letting age stop you. :)
"I’ve learned that simplicity is not a sacrifice. It is a blessing." Carol, I absolutely love your sentence. How lucky we are when we realize how true that statement is!