AARP Online Community and Discussion Forums - Retirement Reflections

smillerpulling · ‎01-10-2023

Someone asked not long ago if I had any updates to a post when I retired in 2018. In fact I do. I learned some things. After many years of being focused on taking care of my company and my employees, and being strictly confidential about every single business detail spoken, I was finally able to focus on me. Me…who was I? That took quite a while to get comfortable looking inside myself and determining the safety or not of being open and honest with myself. Here is the condensed version of my learnings.

I learned that some days I’m the windshield and some days I’m the bug.

I learned that people I thought were friends, were only in the relationship for what I might be able to do for them while employed.

I learned that I love being at the ocean in my 5th wheel, but I don’t love “camping” or towing that 37 foot beauty, or emptying the black tanks, or RV toilet paper.

I learned that although my mind says go for it, my body has a brake pedal.
I learned I enjoy rather than need a glass of fine red wine.

I learned that the ocean cures many things for me, but it does not mend a heart that’s been shattered by loss.

I learned that young, healthy, vibrant, wonderfully giving people can die and life guarantees us nothing.

I learned that every day I wake up is a gift and I will continue to unwrap it in all its splendor and savor every moment.
I learned I’m human; I still have failings; I have successes too albeit a bit different than at work, such as towing the 5th wheel seven hours to Port Aransas without a single unkind word spoken.

People I meet will comment, isn’t retirement grand? Truthfully, dealing with the isolation of Covid, the tanking of my retirement portfolio, and some days utter boredom, I can’t say retirement is grand. I can say life is grand and I’m very happy being on top of the ground and not under it.

Warm regards,
Sherry

LeeS4949 · ‎01-12-2023

Beautifully said. Retirement for me isn't the "grand " part. You touched on it nicely. Its living that is grand, not the stage of living that we are in. Be well.

Anonymous · ‎01-12-2023

(3 comments) Well said @LeeS4949 , glad you posted 🙂

@LeeS4949 wrote:
Beautifully said. Retirement for me isn't the "grand " part. You touched on it nicely. Its living that is grand, not the stage of living that we are in. Be well.