Instagram - pictureretirement - April 22, 2018

Embracing Instagram was on my retirement  to do list however I struggled to discover a unique voice or perspective for this additional social media account.

I know it is primarily a visual channel so I thought I would focus on my developing photography skills and my interest in documenting and commenting on retirement and aging.   Hence....  PictureRetirement....

So it begins....

Retirement - six months down the road... April 5, 2018

Six months ago was my first day of retirement. I got on a plane, then boarded a ship and sailed to the other side of the world. When I returned five weeks later, retirement and all of its possibilities lay ahead of me. I was standing at the junction of my old life and new life. 
For my first six months, I had made a few rules - no work and  no new commitments.  I wanted to give myself a few months off.   Despite my rules,  I have been busy.  I did have a few things on my To Do list - 55 to be exact and have done all but 5.  I have had many wonderful opportunities with friends and  time away with friends - time in Muskoka, Ben Miller, Toronto.


What I have learned in my first six months

Reset
Five weeks away immediately after I retired - off the grid created the reset that I needed between old life and new life.

Relaxed
 I didn't realize the fatigue of day to day work.  I never felt stressed when I worked but since I have stepped away, I have felt waves of relaxation come over me.  It is a great feeling

Mental Exhaustion 
I was unaware of the intellectual exhaustion of my work .   It was rare that I wanted to take on an activity in the evening that required too much thinking   Now I can be taking an online class or language class starting at 10pm.  My days have become longer.  (Although I don't get up as early - I sleep in until  7am instead of the grind of waking up at 530 or 6 am everyday)  I definitely do not miss 7 am meetings.

Other options for work
Eventhough I made a promise not to work during the first six months, I did a bit of consulting. (turned down most requests but did work to help a smaller agency build capacity for communications and public relations.)  It was/is gratifying work.   I definitely will be open to similar opportunities.

Rediscover Reading
I have rediscovered reading and how much I love it.  There was so little time in my life for recreational reading.  Now there is space.  I have a new library card and I am using it.   I now have a list in my purse of books I want to read- right now it has 67 titles on it.

Learning 
I love my Masterclass courses.  Brilliant leaders in their fields sharing insights and perspective.  I have completed two - James Patterson's writing course and Annie Leibovitz Photography. 37 lessons in total.  Loved them both but Annie Leibovitz was awesome.  So brilliant, so cool.


Senior Life is Not for me
There is a lot of older people around during the day.  Everywhere I go.   I am not used to such a narrow demographic.  I had originally thought that I might join some senior based activities  but after an initial foray - I don't think so.  For me, I want to engage in  activities with people of all different ages.  This was a big learning for me and certainly has made me rethink what I want to do.

Snowbird

I definitely don't want to spend the entire winter in Canada. Usually we go down south for a week or two every winter, but this year with just getting home from Australia we didn't go south.  My five weeks of South Pacific sunshine was not helpful to me in cold snowy January. Although it was great not to have to go out on the extreme days, I need a break from winter.

Staying Fit

More time for my yoga practice has been a huge benefit.  On nice days I walk Springbank Park.  I am looking forward to the Southwest Community Centre to open in September to take advantage of some further opportunities.


I am definitely down the road of my "New Life".  I have set up my business, organized  three trips for 2018 and a 4 week trip to Portugal for early 2019.  I am trying to learn Portuguese.   I am super excited to start a new volunteer opportunity at Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.  I have a few new projects that I am contemplating. 


I bring with me from my "Old Life" -My Work Life the skills and experiences that I was so fortunate to have built over my career.   But most importantly, I bring  my friends from work that I miss seeing everyday but I am bringing  them along the road with me to my "New Life"

I am excited to see what the next six months bring.