Remember when you were young, everyone looked old. Someone in their 40’s was old, and 50’s they were just ancient. I always remember my grandparents as old. I’m sure they weren’t any older than I am now when this first thought came to me, but being young they were old. There was no middle age, you were either young or your were old. And anyone that wasn’t you or your brother’s age were old.
I’m glad to say, times have changed. If this is old, it’s great! After doing nothing much more than working, eating, watching TV, and a little socializing that was the extent of my world and my exercise. I’m happy to report that this is not what retirement needs to be. Of course you’re no longer working, so it’s what you fill that void with that makes life new and exciting. Yes, I could be a retiree of the earlier years, when most activity was centered around the house, and family, but there is so much more to choose from today. Families are spread out all over the Country and it’s up to you to make the most of these years.
As I have found out you can be as busy or even busier than when you worked, but what’s exciting about being busy, it’s the busy you make it. Today my day started at 9AM and I didn’t sit down and relax until 4PM, it was great. First there was golf lessons and practice, off to a ladies luncheon, back for 2 hours of line dancing, working in the yard, then finally calling it a day and a well deserved sit down and relax time. There’s more than TV, more than computers, there are classes, lectures, luncheons, arts and crafts, volunteering, golf, tennis, bocce ball, dancing, card games, gardening,…… I could go on for an entire page.
What’s really fun about a day like today versus when I worked, I’m tired, completely bushed, but it feels good. I have exercised, I have not sat on my butt all day. I have been with people who enjoy the same things I do, and have had a great dose of my vitamin D being out in the sun. I’m glad to say that so far 11 months into retirement I couldn’t have expected anymore. I’m very happy and so glad I decided to travel down this road now, and not wait a few years. I’m traveling on happy trails and hope your are too.
A New Road to Travel 