A Look at Retirement

Slowing down is inevitable, and it can be quite pleasant to give time toward tasks you never had time for while working. We spent six months in retirement before we left on our travel adventure. For us, we absolutely needed this break from our highly intensive jobs. Within those six months of decompression, we actually got physically ill several times as our bodies tried to purge the constant level of stress we had been living with in our jobs. But what did we DO every day in those six months and what do we DO every day now that we are traveling?

While on the home front we were able to tackle these mundane tasks of life that always got put off while working.

• Re-landscaping the front yard

• Truly following a new recipe instead of “winging it” in a hurry and hoping for the best

• Scrubbing the inside of the dishwasher and washing machine

• Re-arranging and recovering furniture

• Sewing that torn pillow

• Go to the gym for exercise

• Sorting and shredding unnecessary paperwork files that have been gathering dust for decades

• Washing the baseboards throughout the house

• Reorganizing clothing closets to purge uncomfortable and too-worn items

• Washing the living room rugs

• Helping friends and strangers with projects

• Reorganizing every cupboard in the kitchen and donating unnecessary items

• Reconnecting with extended family and old friends, because we didn’t have time before

Now that we are travelling full-time for a while, our days look different, but they are still our own. Some days we have an agenda; other days we follow the flow and discover amazing things as we go.

• Stroll museums and learn chronological history that our educational system missed

• Ramble along ancient city walls or long promenades to soak in the atmosphere

• Ride buses, trains, funiculars, planes, and boats for pleasure or transportation

• Eat new and familiar foods at will, when hungry, and NOT on a time clock

• Tour ancient ruins and read all of the placards about them

• Sit on our balcony or a bench and watch the people move about their day, the same, but different than we used to do

• Meander through the town, taking whichever path looks different today, and take time to SEE our surroundings (plants, building styles, people, brick work, restaurants, markets, animals, etc.)

• Swim in oceans and lakes, then dry in the sun

• Ride ATVs, stand-on scooters, bicycles, and motor scooters

• Go to concerts, fairs, and festivals to embrace the culture of our neighborhood

• Reconnecting with extended family and old friends, because we didn’t have time when we were working

Here are some things you can do now to plan for your own retirement.

1. Create an initial project or honey-do list

2. Identify old and new hobbies that peak your interest

3. If you like to travel, keep a journal or spreadsheet of destination and info about those places

4. If you like to volunteer, make a list of places you want to help