Retiremnt: 5 Ways I’m Planning to Make the Transition
Photo by Photos of Korea on Unsplash
It’s almost surreal to think about this sometimes, but with turning 60 comes the use of a new word: Retirement.
Or, at least, semi-retirement in my case.
Also read: 7 Tips for Aging Well
I realize this isn’t the case for everyone, but I’m so grateful to have had a career I’ve loved as much as I have. One that has grown and evolved with me, where I have been able to focus on the thing I enjoy the most in this world, which is helping people. From my early days as a nurse working with the little ones in the hospital to teaching the next generation of nurses, I’ve truly loved and adored my career. And while I’m not stepping away entirely (I just can’t bear the thought of that just yet!) I’m starting to realize that it’s not necessary to identify with work as much as I did in my earlier years, and I’ve begun the journey of easing into retirement.
Also read: Turning 60: A Privilege and a Journey
So today, I wanted to touch on the thing that has been on my mind a lot lately, which is retirement. I wanted to share with you the thoughts in my mind, and how I plan on making this transition.
5 Ways I’m Planning to Make the Transition to Retirement
1. Find Hobbies
Over the past few years, I’ve found joy in art, specifically painting and pottery. I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed yoga, and my husband and I have been committed to a nightly yoga practice in our basement. In the coming months, you’ll catch me outside in the garden or drinking a cup of coffee in the sun. I think hobbies are important at every stage of life; however, there’s something a little more important about them during the retirement stage. As I begin to have more time on my hands, I intend to fill that time with all the things I love to do but maybe didn’t have the time or capacity to do before.
2. Create a New Way of Being in the World with Joy
I’m excited for a sense of peace, stillness, and joy. The ability to move at a gentle pace and take the time to enjoy the world around me.
3. Express Gratitude for a Lengthy and Rewarding Career
As I’ve said before, I understand this isn’t always the case for everyone, and that’s something I don’t take for granted. But I loved my career so much. I’ll never forget the nurses who became like family as we navigated those long nights together, or the fellow nursing teachers who continue to be some of my closest friends. Heck, even some of the friends I met in college who began this journey with me are still some of my best friends, even though some of us live very far away from each other. I have such gratitude and love for my career, all that it’s taught me, and all that it gave me.
4. Start Slowly
Like I said, I’m not ready to step away entirely. I’m looking forward to having a part-time teaching job to help me ease into my new life. Sometimes we get overcome by labels, as though we need to make an all-or-nothing decision, but that simply isn’t the case. I’m excited to have the best of both worlds: more time on my hands to do the things I want to do, while also enjoying a career I love so much. I think starting slowly is a great way to ease into a new chapter while maintaining a sense of routine and normalcy.
5. Lean into Self-Care (in a big way!)
I’m excited to continue on my healthy lifestyle journey. I plan to prioritize my wellness in a well-rounded manner, through mind, body and spirit. I believe aging is an invitation to get closer to yourself and care for yourself even more, as opposed to the opposite. I’m heading into this next chapter with such love and gratitude, and intend to carry this element of self-care with me long into this next chapter.