There is no operator’s manual for retirement.
Ralph Warner’s Get a Life (Nolo
Press, 2004, 5th edition) comes darn close. My copy is a gift from a
dear friend who taught retirement planning. There’s only one chapter on the
crucial topic of financial planning; the other chapters cover equally vital
subjects: health and fitness, the
importance of family and friends, and pursuing personal interests.
Jeff gave me the book several years before I was even
eligible to retire. My husband was doing a great job with financial planning, I
had health and fitness pretty well covered, and we chose to move down the
street from dear friends.
I turned my attention to pursuing personal interests. What
would fill my days with as much focus and fun as work and colleagues?
What could come close?
I chose the letter P. After all, it took care of writing (prose),
which had provided so much satisfaction and a living for so many years. The 16th letter also covered many activities
and interests: pedaling my bicycle, paddling (the kayak I want to buy), re-learning
photography, local politics, piano lessons, Pilates, and spending time
with my puppy.
Wasn’t this enough Ps for a plan?
Nearly two months after leaving work for the last time, I
find myself adrift. Sure, there’s plenty to do.
I hadn’t realized how much was involved with relocation. That’s another
P: packing and unpacking.
I also had no idea of the time and energy and focus that it
takes to help a spouse recover from surgery. He is my priority.
I need to shift gears. Neutral would be nice. I need to accept
that retirement will mean redefinition and it’s okay, even necessary, to take
time for reflection.
Here’s a new P word for my list: Pause.
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| P is for puppy |
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