For thirty years my mornings started the same way: alarm before dawn, a quick shower and shave, and out the door with a Styrofoam cup of coffee in my hand. Twenty minutes later—this time of year—I’d be standing on a cold platform waiting for the Long Island Rail Road.
And let’s not forget the buttered bagel and copies of The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
Reitement is the beginning of a new self directed chapter. It can be joyous.
This morning I got back from my walk and was about to make myself some French toast when I realized something strange—there was no rush.
And that’s exactly what I’m doing right now, feeling like I’m getting away with something.
Retirement is discovering the joy of:
Exercise
A casual healthy lunch
A nap
Reading for a couple hours
Finishing a scroll-saw project
Writing a book or short story
Taking that garden to the next level
Who knew the promise of retirement—with its wonders of free time, exercise, a healthier diet, and better sleep—would turn out to be all that and more? I feel blessed. If you can see retirement on the horizon, hang in there—it’s worth the wait. In an upcoming article, I’ll share some thoughts on managing the transition, so you may want to subscribe.
The Rhythm of the Working Years
It’s 8:40 right now, and back then I would already have been at my desk for over an hour. As much as there was pressure for “face time” (translation: don’t you dare leave at 5 PM, peasant), I always rejected that nonsense.I made a point of being as productive as possible while I was there and quietly slipped out around five. No one ever said a word to me about it. On a good day I walked in the door around 6:30 PM—bringing home the bacon.
It was roughly a 13-hour day, minimum. I didn’t complain then because… well, that’s just what you did, right?
Appreciating the Change
I don’t allow myself to forget how much things have improved for this old man.I do impose a deadline on my exercise—my normal winter schedule has me out the door around 6:30 and back by 8:15. I enjoy it. It makes me feel like I’m doing what I can to keep the warranty on this aging body from expiring.
I also enjoy the camaraderie of the other oldsters I walk with. Misery, as they say, loves company—but in this case it’s actually pretty pleasant.
My part-time business keeps me about as busy as I’d like to be. The business world is changing fast because of AI, and I’m working on modifying my website accordingly. I’m enjoying it—why not? I have the time.
The Little Things Matter
I’ve subscribed to Kindle Unlimited and regularly borrow books from the local e-libraries, all from the comfort of my easy chair. I love a good dime-store novel and the occasional biography (currently reading one about Cary Grant).I also buy discount hardcovers from ThriftBooks because apparently I still enjoy hoarding physical objects. I read a couple of books at once—multitasking, but in the laziest way possible.
I believe the key to happiness in retirement is finding your niche and enjoying it. Be flexible as your needs change—because they will.
It’s all up to you, but you do have to work at being happy.
Closing Thoughts
Now, in our age group, some folks are dealing with real challenges—illness, caregiving, or both. To them I say: do what you can. That’s enough.I’m blessed that I worked to live. I didn’t live to work. And at this stage of life, I’m finally appreciating what a gift that really was.
As always, feel free to comment. Please keep your thoughts on point and kind.
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