By Sallie-Eliabeth Clayton, January 23, 2020 — I was approaching the age of 62 when I realized that it was time to entertain the idea of retiring. The word itself brings to mind that you are “finished,” “done,” [and] “withdrawing” from your occupation — all very negative [ideas].
So, I began to think of what else to do when there was no more work five days a week for eight or more hours a day. My plan was weak and the next ten years of trying to substitute or replace work were pretty frustrating. My plan included helping my daughter with her catering business, more traveling, volunteering, sleeping late, and lots of rest and relaxing.
Soon, I discovered that this plan could never replace the fullness that I gained from my position as Director/Coordinator of teen parent programs. This work had all the elements that kept me busy, focused, involved, and fulfilled.
My advice to anyone considering retiring is to take time to understand who you really are, what your goals are for the September of your life, what makes you happy, [and] know that the only “cut off” of life is when your heart stops beating. Be mindful that we never stop growing and developing.
Maybe it is not good to compare what was to what is. Search for newness and challenge yourself to take it easy and embrace a whole new season of your life.