Retired - So What's Next?

When I left work this morning at 7:00 AM, I was officially retired. Wow! I don’t think the reality will hit me until Friday, when I won’t have to go nap so I can go to work that night. Saturday will roll around, and I won’t have to spend most of the day sleeping. Sunday morning, I’ll be able to attend adult Sunday school and church without fighting to stay awake after working all night.

How many times have you heard people speak of their childhood or teen years with a sense of loss, wishing they could relive that time in their life? I have always enjoyed the unique challenges and opportunities that have presented themselves at each stage of my life. I’m not saying I haven’t remembered parts of my past with fond nostalgia, because I have. Still, I prefer to look to the future rather than dwell in the past.

This is my second retirement from the nursing profession. Those of you who have read my personal page on this site know that I retired from the VA in 2001. Now, I am retiring from Colorado Boys Ranch, where I returned to work in 2003.

So what now?

I may have left a job at the Ranch, but I hope to remain connected to the facility. I hope to donate my time by writing for their newsletter. I’ve been asked to do so and look forward to contributing what I can to promote the good that the Ranch does for troubled kids.

My biggest and most exciting challenge lies in my editorship of a new magazine entitled Starsongs, a publication of Written World Communications. Starsongs is targeted to 12-19 year olds and most of its contributors will be in that age group. This association with Written World will enable me to build a speaking platform. I plan to contact schools for speaking engagements and talk to teens about basic writing skills while promoting the magazine.

Recently, I started visiting a friend’s dad who relates his past experiences as a rancher in Colorado. His stories of childhood and “the dirty thirties” have given me a whole new appreciation for the farmers and ranchers of this great state of Colorado. I feel so privileged to spend time with this man who loves to write stories and poetry about his life. And, oh, does he love to talk about it all! He is such fun.

Our granddaughter, of course, is a great source of joy to both my husband and I. It will be so nice to enjoy the Saturdays we spend together without having to worry about getting enough rest to go to work. She is at that age where she is interested in everything around her, and we are so fortunate to be able to view the world through her young eyes.

I have participated in a class at my church entitled “Discovering God’s Vision for Your Life: You and Your Spiritual Gifts” over these past few weeks. We will get together for another couple of weeks to discuss ways to implement what we have learned throughout our congregation. Then the hard work will begin. This new venture will most likely generate resistance and resentment, but those who embrace it will find themselves personally and spiritually richer, I’m sure.

A couple of days ago, I blogged about my daily exercise routine. I wanted to begin to build that habit before retirement. It’s only been two weeks, but already I consider that half hour as an essential part of my day. I furthered my commitment to better health by joining our local “biggest loser” program in the hope of shedding a few pounds over the next twelve weeks.

I plan to organize and weed through an accumulation of years of “stuff” at the house, from kitchen cabinets to desk drawers. I have dozens of books on my bookshelves begging to be read, and magazines with a wealth of knowledge to be learned, not to mention dozens of articles or short stories or poems or whatever to be written. I have friends to go to lunch with and friends to write to and friends to travel with and family to love.

And to think there were people who advised me not to retire so I wouldn’t get bored. They’ve got to be kidding!

Come visit me on the porch over the next few weeks as I embark on this new adventure called retirement. I’m excited about this new chapter in my life and hope you will join me on the ride.

Thanks for reading my blog!