RETIREMENT MUSINGS - PART TWO

I’ve been retired for two months, enjoying every moment.? And, it seems the question I get the most from those who hear the news is “What fun things will you do now that you’re retired?”

That question got me thinking about retirement and filling up my days, and about the impact on my lifestyle and routine now that I don’t have a work schedule or client responsibilities.? Reflection brought me wonderful memories and a better understanding of the new stage of my life.

Truth - I am not my job.? Being a lawyer is what I did for a living, not who I am as a person.? Liberating for sure, but there is more.? To continue to live your best life, there must be a full and gratifying life outside of work.

So, I looked back at my 40 years as a lawyer and found that I had adventures and varied interests all the while:

• Travelled to both Hawaii and Alaska (and 47 of the other 48 states - Still have to go to Maine.)
• Published two children’s books (Elephants, Aardvarks and Me and Magic Joe)
• Recorded an album with my husband available on iTunes (“I Love My Wheels” - Nico and the Known)
• Sang on the stage at Ryman Auditorium
• Lectured in US and Canada
• Served as President of both the Community Associations Institute and the Research Foundation
• Won the Don Buck Lifetime Achievement Award
• Climbed the Lassen Volcano in northern California
• Personally drove the Ophir Pass (off road in the FJ Cruiser) in Colorado
• Served on the Board for Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County
• Moved out of Florida after 47 years.
• Moved to Colorado (yes we did) - Durango, a cowboy town.
• Became a motivational speaker and board trainer

These days, I exercise, put together 1000 piece puzzles, do crossword puzzles and Sudoko, and read at least a book a week.? My husband and I have date night every Wednesday.? And we are avid hockey fans, and enjoy off-roading as often as we can.? I continue to volunteer here in Colorado, currently with the Earth Law Center here in Durango.? I am returning to my motivational speaking and leadership training presentations.? My husband and I do a podcast “Living a Primal Lifestyle” airing on? YouTube and Odysee covering health, diet and fitness.

It turns out that I have been doing fun things for all of my adult life, so the transition to the next stage is pretty much seamless.

In conclusion, expand your horizons, make sure you have a life outside of your job, celebrate and recognize the joy you experience and create in others.? Be well and stay safe out there.