I’ve been thinking about my retirement transition a bit lately to understand if I’m done transitioning. I like being able to check things off as being done.
Any transition is a journey, from the old to the new. It’ s one small step everyday. In the case of retirement transition, it’s a daily practice of doing things that say “this is the new me”.
How has this retirement transition progressed?
The journey definitely feels like I am setting out on a new adventure and finding the “path diverging in the woods” regularly. All adventures have times to advance & times to rest, things to discover and times to use skills & strengths you already have.
- I am starting things that align with the new me vision based on my values, strengths, interests. Of course, I’ve named them… things like Out & About, Time with Tim, and Fun with Friends.
- I am trying to stop the bad practices – watching for toxic energy sources (internal and external), getting out of bad situations and obligations, and understanding bad habits need to break (waiting for someday, focus on food, work as avoidance).
- I have recognized loses of the old and am looking on how to replace the things I need, like identity and structure.
- I am finding that transitions can also threaten, as you give up old ways of doing things to take on new ways. I’ve started to address the fear in the statement “Who will be able to change with me and who won’t? “
Am I done with the transition? Nope. I can’t check the box quite yet. But I am living every day as an adventure on the journey.
- Wake-up, stretch and be happy.
- Every day do one (small) thing that moves you down the path to your life vision.
- Appreciate how far you have come along the path. You are right where you need to be on the journey!
- Stop comparing yourself to others – it’s YOUR path. The world does need what you have to offer.
- Trust divine timing. Some things (like fully understanding my purpose) will come when I am ready.
- Relish the new opportunities. Try things on. Sometimes it’s about figuring out what you don’t want!
- Try and remember – the journey is more important than the destination! Enjoy the journey.
Picture credit:Pixabay
retirementtransition 
I love, love, love “Wake up, stretch and be happy!” as I truly believe happiness is a choice. One of my favorite things to do these days is to start my morning out with my coffee, just breathing and taking time to think and plan my day – To live less out of habit and more out of intent! It seems when I was working, I would just rush out the door, off to my classroom, and I never had the time to linger and actually savor the path I was on. Now we both have that opportunity!
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Absolutely! I enjoy my morning coffee with journaling. I capture anything from yesterday I need to mentally get rid of, think through today, talk thru any issues (yes, I talk to myself), capture gratitude, and repeat my affirmations. I just started journaling last fall and love how it starts my day. I really like your “live with intent” and “savor the path” thoughts.
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Great tips for meaningful daily living, Pat,whether or not one is retired yet The journey imagery speaks to me and reminds me on a quote I have always found helpful. I’ll have to paraphrase, but it is something like ‘In order to discover new lands, you must be content to lose sight of shore for a very long time.’
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I like that one. Not one I have heard before. I personally love journey and path metaphors!
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I especially like “Every day do one (small) thing that moves you down the path to your life vision.” It’s too easy to get hung up on stuff that doesn’t serve your goals. It’s good to keep that vision top-of-mind so you don’t disappear down the many rabbit holes out there.
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This is not to imply that I don’t have my share of rabbit holes! But I am trying to keep my vision front & center. Thanks for your comment…and your inspiration in your blog.
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