In her blog A Retirement Blog, Caree Risover posted a blog on "More than One Way" in which she said, When we were working, many of us fell into this trap and felt the frantic nature of life as we ran from one commitment to another. Who'd have thought how easily you can fall into the trap of doing this, even when you are retired and theoretically have time at your disposal?
I've been ruminating on my folly, and although that wonderful feeling of tranquility is clearly linked to a slower tempo, it isn't true that to appreciate the joy of life, you always have to operate at a snail's pace. Indeed, the early years of retirement are definitely an opportunity for adventure and exploration, deriving thrill from the novel and unfamiliar. There are many ways to revel in the moment. I agree that there are many ways to revel in the moment. Then, a friend of mine asked me a question. This is my response to her question and Caree's thoughtful post.
One example would be to read your latest novel while you watch the rain and wind flow around your house. Another is to sit with friends for lunch and listen as they talk about past glories and future dreams.
One of my friends imagined retirement as a time of slow mornings, leisurely walks, and peaceful afternoons filled with books and tea. After decades of juggling deadlines, meetings, and family commitments, she was ready for tranquility. Or so she thought.
Two months into retirement, she found herself busier than ever. She volunteered at the library, signed up for a watercolor class, agreed to help plan the neighborhood potluck, and even babysat her grandkids twice a week. The freedom she had longed for seemed just as frantic as her working years, just with different commitments. She had forgotten how to say no.
One day, she said to me, I don’t understand it. I thought I was done with rushing from one thing to the next. But here I am, running around again. Retirement wasn’t supposed to feel like this."
Having been retired for almost 20 years, I laughed and said, "Ah, the retirement rush. We all fall into it. The trick isn’t slowing down completely; it’s finding the rhythm that suits you. Sometimes, life is about exploration and adventure. Other times, it’s about pausing to soak in the moment. There’s no single right way to enjoy this stage."
My friend started to make small changes; she left her schedule open for an entire morning. No plans, no commitments. She sat by the window with her book and let the sound of the rain tapping on the glass set the tempo for her day. It felt wonderful.
Later that week, she told me she had experienced something new and wonderful. She joined a hiking group and was excited when they reached a breathtaking viewpoint.
You don’t have to choose between movement and stillness, between adventure and tranquility. Retirement is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Some days were for discovery, for stepping into the unfamiliar with a spark of curiosity. Other days were for stillness, for soaking in the simple pleasures of life.
Retirement is about finding a new balance, not by following one strict approach but by embracing all the ways life could be enjoyed.