The Darkest Hour - January 29

January 30 2018

As I sat in the movie theatre watching this best picture nominated movie, I felt my spirit lighten. 
This is the story of a few days in May 1940, when Europe was falling to Hitler.  The British Army was trapped in France fighting the Germans days before the French surrendered.  Britain was next and the probability of invasion was high.
Winston Churchill was thrust into the role of Prime Minister ( though some would argue he was the architect of that coup)  It was an impossible military situation and politics at home were intense.  There was great pressure among his party to enter into peace negotiations with the Germans.
The movie bears witness to a leader navigating politics and an impossible military situation.  With passion and extraordinary words, Winston Churchill led his nation to the decision to defend what they held dear - their century old values and beliefs that they were not ready to compromise.
In the face of the daily news of today, this movie is a beacon. 
For those British soldiers trapped in France, that story is told in another best picture nominated movie, Dunkirk.

The Third Act - January 22

The Third Act - January 22, 2018

I just turned 60.  I am in my Third Act! 

On average we are living 34 years longer than our great grandparents.  That is really a generation longer.  Our traditional thoughts about age are being redefined including midlife and retirement.  One of those  new definitions is the "Third Act "- ages 60 - 90.

In a play, the third act  pulls everything together - the bits and pieces of the first two acts into a connected whole. The third act is all about meaning.

Boomer 3.0 is another common description of the new reality of age and retirement.  As with everything that the Boomers touch, it is never the same as the generation before.   As we enter retirement it is not the retirement of our parents.  Bowling, bridge  RV camping, golfing - the activities of our parent's retirement are not the norm  now and increasingly declining in popularity.  Downsizing and moving to retirement communities or apartments is not as common.   More and more Boomers are staying in their current homes as long as possible. 

Though physical activity of some kind is a common thread it is no longer the main activity. Instead retired Boomers are working at part time "encore careers" or volunteering  both related to longstanding interests and unrelated to their work before retirement.  Many pursue educational opportunities by taking college and university courses in areas of interest.  The pursuit of creative endeavours is very popular.   Creative expression is a new driver of retirement.

 Instead of the old paradigm of leisure and entertainment, the common thread for this new generation of retirees is the pursuit of meaning, purpose and contributing to community.

I totally understand this new reality.  At 60 and recently retired,  I am still young, healthy and vital and hope to for many years to come.   I want to continue to learn, contribute and be engaged.  I know that I must build purpose, structure and community into my new world.  It is exciting to embrace these new opportunities and activities.   Stay tuned.

Final fifties January 15

January 15, 2018
As I face the final week of my fifties, I am reminded of the beginning of this decade. Andy and I had a joint 50th birthday party.  We decided that it was important to celebrate 50 as our next planned birthday party is  100 years old.  It was held in the party room (basement) of the Old Vic Tavern- friends and family - games, drinking.  It was so much fun.  I am so grateful that so many of those attending our 50th are still in our lives and new friends and family have entered our life.
Sadly, some of those gathered with us 10 years ago, have passed away.

 We were about not only about to enter our fifties but to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary by sailing across the Atlantic visiting Ireland, France and England.
Not too long ago, I went through my treasures from our 50th party, carefully stored in the "treasure chest" including Survivor hints, fake newspapers, tips on how to talk to the British, the famous thong. I was laughing all over again. Now as I face my 60s, I hope that at the end of this decade that I feel as healthy as I do today. I hope that I am still sharing laughs with my friends and that our family continues to expand.

What is a Weekend - I am retired!

"What is a Weekend? "  - I am retired!

My favourite quote from Downton Abbey's  the Dowager Countess  played by Maggie Smith.  An earnest question posed by a member of the aristocracy who had no  knowledge of a "job" or a "weekend" .  

Now that I am retired/ a pensioner/ a member of the "leisure class", I think this is a fitting replacement title for my former "Monday Morning" column.  


Monday morning holds no significance for me any longer.  My long held assumptions about time and schedules are being redefined in retirement.  Many things are being redefined.  It is exciting .






Monday, January 8, 2018

Although I have been retired for two months, it is just this past week that it is beginning to sink in and be real - I AM RETIRED!

At first I was distracted and disconnected.....

Because I left on a five week vacation to the other side of the world the day after I retired, I was distracted.  Distracted by the extraordinary experience of the South Pacific, Australia, and the Great Barrier Reef.  Disconnected due to 23 days at sea totally off the grid and with little to no access for over 38 days.
Upon reflection, it was a great way to kick start my retirement.  It was a bit chaotic wrapping up work at the same time as planning a major vacation but totally worthwhile.  It created a "hard break" from my former routines and habits.  It definitely cut the chord.

And then I was focused on follow up and holiday activities.....

When I returned home, I was busy following up and thanking everyone involved in my retirement celebration events.  I was both overwhelmed and humbled by the extraordinary send off orchestrated by my colleagues.  I will cherish the memories of my last day forever.  Truthfully,  I can never adequately express my gratitude.
I not only finished work, but cleaned out an office and brought home those important mementos of a 37 year career.  I needed to make room for them at home which meant some reorganization and decluttering.
Throughout this time , holiday season was upon us and all of the wonderful activities and traditions with family and friends.

And now it seems real....

It was just this past week that I really began to feel retired - not going back to work after New Years;  reading headlines in the newspaper about hospital issues and not being involved; horrible weather and difficult driving conditions that I didn't have to navigate.

I am grateful for the opportunity to retire - relatively young and healthy. The planning and preparation to retire is over.
I loved my work, the people I worked with and the mission of the hospital that I served.  My work provided purpose/ a sense of service, a sense of community and structure.

Now my job is to discover and build a new chapter of life that provides all those same things.

But first I promised myself a few months of rest and relaxation.