In my retirement transition, I’ve discovered a love of trying new things. At first I expected that trying something new would allow me to find my “passion” – the one thing that I wanted to do above all else. I tried a number of things that just didn’t work out at all. And nothing has turned into THE big passion area. But I have discovered a number of things I’ve enjoyed and continued. And I continue to try new things and have discovered that I enjoy that activity itself! Last year, my goal was 52 new things for the year. I hit 75. This year, my goal is 101 Fun and/or New Things. I added the “fun” element in because some of the new things from previous years are turning into do-it-again or habitual fun things. Not big passions, but fun stuff, like blogging, yoga, shuffleboard, and Zumba.
In keeping with the A to Z New Things that I talked about in a previous post (link here), here’s an A to Z of Favorite New Things I’ve Done Since Retiring. Do keep in mind that this covers 5 years of retirement (Happy 5-year Retirement Anniversary to me!), but maybe it will inspire you to try something new yourself!
A = African Safari. Our trip of a lifetime that hit a number of true bucket list items including standing on the equator, seeing the Big Five animals in the wild, visiting another continent (two to go), a hot air balloon ride, two new countries visited, (#25 and #26) and glamping (glamour camping).
B = Blogging. Joining the blogging community has been a delight. I’ve “met” people all over the world. I’ve used my blog as my life coach. The outlet for my writing has kept a spark of creativity going. I’m approaching my 3-year anniversary of the blog, continue to wonder about the name I chose (since I do feel I’m done transitioning), but continue to stick with it because of theses benefits!
C = Cooking Classes. No, I am not a gourmet cook – not even close. But I’ve tried various cooking classes, including a week-long boot camp at a culinary institute. I will never be a great cook (not the passion!), but I certainly have fun taking classes and have another class booked this summer already.
D = Downsized our Home. This involved a lot of de-cluttering (yes, I tried the Kondo method) and some design work as the much smaller rooms required new approaches to furnishings. I certainly had fun shopping for some new furniture!
E = Exploring. I’ve explored lots of things from doing some out-there bucket list items (professional photo-shoot, zip-line), to exploring spirituality (meditation, tarot cards, new moon rituals), to exploring creative outlets (pottery class, glass blowing). I’m enjoying tracking exploring new things with this year’s 101 New &/or Fun Things goal, which mid-year is at 79.
F = Foodie Fun. This covers food events, my mid-week foodie club, compatible couple dinners, food delivery services, weird foods, food tours, food reviews, and new restaurants. I am officially a foodie!
G = Gratitude. Regularly practicing gratitude has been a significant element of my conscious decision to be more positive. While I have not begun a specific gratitude journal, I use gratitude as part of my morning journaling. I continue to work on the “accept, appreciate, act with kindness” non-judgment and live with gratitude life approach that I wrote about in this blog post (link).
H = Home Improvements. Hmm, maybe not that much fun, but this is an essential element of life and something that took time and money. With the downsized house came some up-sized home improvement work – inside and out. Most we contracted, but we built the patio ourselves (yeah, YouTube), painted the inside rooms, and worked on creating a backyard garden space.
I = Innovation Consultation. When I first retired, I continued working because that is what I knew how to do. Work came easy; learning how to live took time to figure out. I’ve not recently taken on any more project work or done any active networking for gigs, but also have not discounted doing something if it comes along and is of interest. Ambivalent now, but the part time work definitely helped me emotionally in the transition.
J= Journaling. Following the advice of Julia Cameron (The Artist Way), I began morning journaling and am now devoted to it. It’s my diary, my tracker, my inner voice, my blog inspiration, and I cannot image life without that outlet.
K = Kite Fest. And going to other festivals as well – Arts & Craft Fests, Raptor Fest (yeah, real live raptors), Food Festivals. Hubby and I like the smaller festivals and seem to always find something to buy at the local art festivals.
L = Leading Ladies. A philanthropic group associated with the Cincinnati Playhouse In the Park. And I also joined Impact 100, another woman’s philanthropic group. Both were out-of-comfort zone join ups. I was hoping for connections (not successful in that) but have stayed engaged because I believe in their goals.
M = Mini-adventures. From museums to food tours to underground tours to canoe dinners to soccer games to axe throwing to shuffleboard nights – I’ve become the regular designated planner of events for us and our friends. Some of this is spectator and some is active; some involves the arts and some involves food. Sounds like the story of my life!
N = Networking. Focusing on intentional connections was an activity I started right upon retirement. I had a quarterly list of 8-10 people to call to set up a coffee date, lunch date, meet-up for happy hour. Again, this was helpful in the early days of retirement to help with having folks to bounce ideas off, get suggestions from, or just have a conversation. I still keep a connections list and look at it regularly to see who I might not have talked to/spent time with (IRL, on phone, or virtually) in a while.
O = Out of Comfort Zone. I’ve tried only a few big things here. Getting a Motorcycle License tops the list. Learning to swim is another. But some other smaller things were pushing at my comfort zone as well – from joining philanthropic organizations & book clubs to starting a blog to taking big trips (Africa, Iceland).
P = Publishing my Book. Writing the book was very organic as I lived the process I wrote about. But editing it and then getting the courage to publish were both a big deal. Here’s a link about my publishing approach. I continue to be quite excited that people are buying it & seem to like it! If you have not checked it out yet, please do – here’s the Amazon link.
Q = Quiet Time. Learning how to just be, versus always doing, has been one of my big self-development elements. I am (was?) a Type A, it’s-about-the-destination workaholic. I live in a society that values busy-ness and having a job. I was expected to start a second career of some sort. So being more contemplative, exploring things like yoga and spirituality, and feeling okay with not having a second career has been a huge shift for me.
R = Redington Shores, Florida. We are now spending regular time at our beach cottage and even completed our first official snowbird experience (see link post). I love our cottage and the sun-filled days that encourage outdoor activity from biking to shelling to yoga on the beach.
S = Seasonal Bucket Lists. My quarterly action plans (my doing, workaholic tendencies still exist) have evolved into seasonal bucket lists (link). While they speak to the planner in me, they also help me appreciate each season. And I link up with other bloggers for new ideas on how to appreciate the season, plus a bit of accountability on my goals.
T = Theater. My go-to-date-night is dinner at a new restaurant and a live theater production. In Cincinnati, we subscribe to 2 theaters for a total of 16 shows. Plus we fill in other shows of interest – at other theaters in Cincinnati or in Florida.
U = Unique Things. A few of the more unique things I’ve tried since retiring were becoming an antique dealer (part of the downsizing activity), attending a psychic festival with follow-up intuitive sessions, and becoming a life coach. All were (unsuccessful) attempts at trying to find my passion!
V = Visiting Family. Retirement has given us the flexibility to visit with my family in other states. Plus we have had some visitors (extended “family”) with us in our cottage in Florida.
W = Walk & Talks. One of my favorite activities has become my Walk & Talks with girlfriends. Whether it’s a regular Monday 4-mile hike at the park, a loop-the-zoo three times at Zoo Blooms, or a random Sunday beach walk, I love these times – linking activity and conversational connection!
X = X-word Puzzles. A stretch for the X, but I’ve become addicted to the daily crossword puzzles. I tell myself it’s about brain stimulation. And then there’s also Scrabble against the computer, which can turn into a time suck if I’m not careful.
Y = Yoga. One of the new things I tried using the “month of activity” tool from my book (month of yoga link) that has become a habit. I appreciate the physical aspects (flexibility, strength & balance) as well as the emotional balancing through breath work. And yoga on the beach in Florida is simply amazing.
Z = Zumba. Another of the new things I tried that has become a habit. I’ve gone from being a no-exercise person, to attempting to hit (often successfully!) the 5 activities a week on my FitBit tracker. My newest activity is strength training and I am hoping to get it to be a habit, too.
Looking back on the new things I’ve done in my retirement transition supports my retirement lifestyle vision of being active, connected, creative and contemplative.
Do you like trying new things as well? Does my list give you some new ideas to try?
Picture Credit: Pixabay. A fireworks celebration for my 5-year anniversary.
retirementtransition 
adding in a comment that wordpress seemed to not want to accept…. From Judson. He really sepent time thinking about this! Thanks Judson.
PD!
We have had the same problem but for very different reasons so that is what makes your writing so interesting to me.
We are similar in that we are part of a group that I think was born with the “doer” or “accomplisher” gene. It’s just how we are wired. We are different in that I also have the “curiosity and explorer” gene.
Where as you were very narrow and now going wide, I am the opposite – I (we) have done most everything prior to retirement (hobbies, travel, interesting things) because of my explorer gene.
So I ended up in a narrow world and as a curious/explorer and doer/accomplisher. That combo can get very trying in retirement. What other folks have is the “art of doing nothing” gene, which we lack. But it is something one needs to learn to embrace. Probably really work at. It is doable.
So last year I did some thinking and re-imagining.
What do I do when these genes kicks in? You know, that general unease, restlessness, antsy, fidgety feeling.
1) I need things that are joy. No planning, driving, schedule, expecations. Just plop down and engage and lose myself. The art of doing nothing.
a) I had always been a voracious reader but quit for whatever reason about a decade ago. I bought a Kindle and loaded up with spy/adventure novels. Bingo. I think part of it is that my explorer/doer is fed vicariously by the characters in the book. Maybe, maybe not. I just know its works wonders for me.
b) mediation. Can I just lotus position and shut out the world? Ha! Good one. Not in a million years.
But what does work is over the ear old/school headphone with mediation music. My go to has these amazing Navajo drums (kind of like a train) that the “busy” part of my mind can latch onto and free the rest of my mind to relax along with the other parts of the music.
2) The Ramp Up. Things I can get better at slowly. Currently these are exercise oriented (weights, pickle ball, gentle yoga). No heavy self pressure but satisfying, with growth and accomplishment needs met.
3) The Mountain. This is something that requires a ton of effort. The really big challenge. I picked up guitar again after many failed attempts throughout the decades. Wicked hard for me but the fire has burned since I was a teenager. Still evaluating because it is either going to be an enormous win or enormous failure.
As far as passion goes. Been through that search. I found it stressful and forced so I have become at peace with that and I accept the reality that I don’t have it or need it to to be happy. If I cross paths with it down the road, great.
A more qualitative (vs quantitative) approach works for me nowadays.
As an example, I try to think about engaging in things like this:
a) a match (quick flame but burns out rapidly)
b) campfire (a good fire that you can keep burning for a long time and serves several purposes)
c) volcano (all consuming)
I do wish you could drop the worry about liking what other people like. It’s ice cream – tons of flavors so find the one that speaks to you. Everyone likes chocolate but you? So what.
I’ve tried various yogas over the years. Everybody raves about it and loves it (but me). Then I tried gentle yoga. That’s my flavor. And that’s OK.
Long ramble but I hope there are tidbits shared that will be of use to someone.
LikeLike
Great post, Pat. I liked the A-Z list and enjoyed the comments.
I truly believe that some of us aren’t wired for a singular passion, however I find the term ‘dabbler’ a bit pejorative. In a world that values busy-ness, ‘dabbling’ to me implies a lazy lack of focus.
We are however VERY focused. We are explorers, adventurers focused on experimenting and discovery – both about ourselves and the world around us. Your list proves all that.
Keep exploring!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Joanne, I hear you about the term. It niggled at me and you & Bob articulated it well. But at least I’ve come to be aware I really do love the mini-adventures and new things tracking!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sure sounds like you are doing retirement right!! I love this list. I have been trying to do 52 brand new things with my boys each year for the past few years. It’s a fun way to live life and keeps us open to possibilities that often push us all just a bit out of our comfort zones. I found your link at Penny’s Passion but I too host a weekly linky called Encouraging Hearts and Home at my blog: Our Unschooling Journey. I’d love to see you link up with us!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the link and I found your linky party list. I’m going to check it out and see where I might “fit”.
I started the 52 new things last year and fell in love with it. It fits my needs to have adventures and make lists! And yes, I have found that knowing I need new things, I am open to possibilities.
LikeLike
I adore this list, Pat! And I love that you discovered you don’t need to find your one big passion to enjoy retirement. That’s a worry that I’ve had about retirement–and really about life in general–this idea that I need to have a big passion or purpose in order for life to be meaningful. I continue to be inspired by you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Christie, I still have not 100% given up the belief that you need to have a big passion/purpose in life… because I keep seeing it written down in articles. (Maybe I should stop reading stuff from Next Avenue and Blue Zones!) But I am coming to terms that my passion might be “dabbling in new things” and my purpose to be a role model of transition. I have definitely transformed myself in retirement – from a cynical workaholic who had no self-care to a positive, un-busy, dabbler. Deb gave me that Dabbler term & I’m liking it! Now I need to fully embrace it and let go of the need to have a big passion.
LikeLike
It’s not just what is written about retirement, it’s what every non-retired person asks me: What are you going to do with yourself? Do you have a big project or a passion that you want to pursue? (Already retired friends never ask that kind of thing.). After 40+ years of working, I think refreshing, renewing, rebuilding, having time to actually enjoy those things that do give us those jolts of joy is passion enough. Forever I’ve had a list on the side of our refrigerator with ideas for more interesting salads (e.g., add something crunchy, something unexpected). Now I’m going to have time to do that (last night: greens including some tender arugula, toasted pistachios, some Michigan blueberries fresh off the fruit truck and a bit of shaved Parmesan).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yum. You’ve made me hungry!
I’m not sure why everyone thinks we need to fill every moment of every day and keep working and pursuing and producing. I’m hoping that as more of us show that retirement can be having time to enjoy the little things (like some yummy Michigan blueberries in a salad), there will be a shift. Or maybe you just have to live through the transition yourself…no one really believes new babies are so much work or that marriage takes work until they have to do it themselves.
LikeLike
You are a champ at trying new things! I am sure it has greatly enriched your life.
I have decided that in line with my Myers-Briggs ENFP (Everyday New Fantastic Possibilities 😉) personality type, I do not have one overriding passion and probably never will. I have a large number of interests and I love to try new things. I like to try new things within my current interests such as trying new recipes and new items to cook on my smoker. For example, I just made homemade bratwurst recently and plan to smoke some lamb ribs within the next week.
I also like to try things that I’ve not experienced before, though not randomly. There has to be a spark of interest or curiosity there for me to want to move into a new arena. For example, ballroom dancing is just something that does not appeal to me in the least, so I most likely will never explore it. However, CrossFit is something that has always intrigued me, but I’ve never tried it, so who knows. Even though I am strong and in pretty good shape, I have to be cognizant that I am not 25 anymore. I don’t want to incur a bad injury that would prevent me from doing other things.
Thanks for reminding us to be open to new experiences.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bob, Deb (below) introduced me to the term Dabbler. What do you think of that?
I also think if you kept track of new things, you’d be high on the number as well. New recipes to cook is similar to new restaurants to try! Tim wouldn’t do ballroom dancing with me … I took a class alone. You might search for a Cross-fit class that caters to an older group… I’m sure they exist. My Zumba class was an instructor my age, so she was very aware of not being 25 anymore! I just added in strength training (trying to make it a habit) so I am absolutely not ready for Cross-fit.
BTW – Did you take that sausage making class you had talked about? How was it?
LikeLike
Dabbler is probably not a bad term, though the connotation is that everything you do is shallow and tentative. Maybe “explorer” is better? Not sure, but I definitely fall into that general category. However, when I do find something of interest, I tend to dive in pretty deep.
The sausage making class is still on the horizon. I am trying to coordinate with a couple of others and it’s proving to be a challenge. My bratwurst turned out great though!
I may check into a CrossFit for 50+ and see if it exists. Thanks for the suggestion.
Btw, if I added trying new wines, I’d definitely be on top of the heap. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bob, you captured the niggle I was feeling in the term Dabbler….I’m going to have to pull out the old thesaurus and think about it. Years ago, I think there was a term like “renaissance man” that I might re-apply … will explore that more.
Two things… 1) If you want, new wines definitely count! There are not really any rules. I do count new restaurants, new foods, and new recipes I cook. 2) do let me now about the sausage making class… if I’m in town, I’d love to join in if you’ve got a group going.
LikeLike
Pat you really are the shining star of trying new things. This would only be a small part of all the new things you’ve taken on – writing that book especially! I’m still working my way through my AtoZ of new things for the year – I may not complete it, but it’s nice to know that I’m not stagnating in this new adventure of retirement. I’m working hard at being unbusy and not rushing around too much – so that takes the pressure off if I don’t finish my list this year.
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Leanne, The term “Un-busy” has popped up a lot lately. I just started following a blog with that title. Since my A to Z covered 5 years…. it’s not really an “I’ve been busy” feel for me. Last year I had a goal of 52 new things (one per week!) and hit over 70. Of course, I adore trying new restaurants, so that was over 20 of them! The A to Z of new things adds in the creative challenge. Last week I Jumped on a Trampoline to get the “J” for this year. And as I mentioned below…. African Safari could have been an A, an S, or a T (travel). With some creativity, I’m guessing, you’ll hit all A to Z!
LikeLike
Seems to me that trying new things is your passion! I like to try new things, too and have a section of my blog devoted to that subject plus I interview people who’ve had to start over or try something new at midlife.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m thinking it is as well. Deb (below) calls it being a Dabbler. I’m trying to wrap my head around the concept… as it’s not really one I would have applied to myself.
LikeLike
This is a fab post Pat with fun written all over it! I love your take on the A-Z list and found myself wondering what I would write if I were to do something similar! Good . on you and I’m enjoying reading your book too 🙂 #mlstl
LikeLiked by 1 person
Deb, Thanks for buying and reading my book! I still get a thrill when someone tells me they are reading and enjoying it! I love lists (if you’ve followed me awhile you might have sensed that). A to Z ones require creativity!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love it that you are trying out and doing so many new things! It will keep your life from ever getting dull! Of course you won’t like all of them, but you just might stumble on a few things you like each year- or your tastes will change and different things will become appealing. I usually stick to tried and true things I like, but we are trying to do more of them. This week we went to an art fair and a concert at our local beach park. We tend to be homebodies- so two things in a week were a lot for us!
I also love it that you have become the social coordinator of fun things. I may need to do that since we don’t get invited much and don’t have a huge group of friends. We do like our neighbors and would like to do more with them. I like to make things happen- so that would work out in tht regard too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Michele, I’ve some to realize that many people just don’t like to plan things. But they are very happy if you do. I had to reach out with plans to our new neighbors multiple times before we got a date that worked (she has kids/grandkids so they often took priority). I’m glad I kept at inviting them. Usually I’ll make 3-4 attempts and then drop it. It’s hard to give up on a new relationship, but if they don’t accept an invite without some authentic excuse, it’s hard to keep trying. I have one couple that I’m giving one more try. That said, I’ve decided that “designated planner” is part of my new identity. 🙂 Besides, when you’re the planner you control the when and where….I get to pick the restaurants I want to go to and the activities I’d like to try. I have one girlfriend who is up for most anything (crafting, cooking). And luckily, hubby is more than happy if sometimes it’s just the 2 of us (as long as I keep it not too many in a week – he’s a homebody too).
LikeLike
Michelle
Good suggestions from Pat (as always). I tend toward homebody and designated planner myself. We have found a pattern that works with our new neighbors and a few others: potlucks. Find a date (sometimes the biggest challenge) and then share the cooking duties (dinner or just drinks and appetizers, with or without a theme). We are happy to host and it’s less of a chore if I only have to contribute one course (he gets to vacuum).
Liz
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is a very sweet list. I got some new ideas. Thanks for sharing it. #MLSTL
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you got some ideas! I’m constantly adding to my own Personal Possibilities List.
LikeLike
Hi Pat, The Fun Factor is Huge in my books. I hear how an African Safari is a trip of a lifetime. I agree with writing as a spark of creativity. Yoga is relatively new for me, although transforming. I saw you had Iceland in your list, a life changing adventure for us two years ago. An interesting, thought-provoking article:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Erica, Interesting that Iceland was a life-changing adventure for you. It was not one of my fav trips. I went with the intention of seeing the Northern Lights – we went in December (5 hours of daylight). It rained almost the entire week. And no, we never saw an inkling of the Northern Lights on the one partly clear night. Combined with the fact I got quite sick (I learned about Iceland ‘s wonderful health care system first hand), not the best of trips. Ah well, I’m dropping seeing he Northern Lights from my bucket list – it was not meant to be!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not a great trip for you at all:( We were there in June for one month, camping, approximately two partial days rain. I hear that many people do not see the Northern Lights. For us, the midnight sun. Many places to still see on our planet:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the update and good ideas and observations. My suggestion would be not to change the name of your blog. You’ve made a great contribution for those of us who are just getting started on our retirement journey and “retirement transition” is a perfect invitation in. You have told us that the blog is your creative outlet and it certainly needs to continue to be meaningful for you, but I suspect that the retirement journey isn’t linear, that other transitions are ahead, and that you will continue to have helpful things to share with us.
Speaking of non-linear, I’d be interested in your thoughts on “bumps in the road,” things that derail even the best laid plans. With my retirement nearing, I was diligently reading, contemplating, envisioning, making lists, and looking forward a new way of living. However, several weeks ago, I experienced a health issue that knocks me off track at least for the short term. I’m feeling lucky in many ways but there likely will some impact for the longer term and having to factor all this in has been a challenge. Pat, I know you’ve blogged about bumps in the road in the past and I’ve started re-reading your blog posts from the beginning as I recalibrate. Are there other resources that you would suggest?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fran, Thanks for you comment that my blogging is “a great contribution”! I’ve actually tried to come to terms with the fact that life (including retirement) is a series of transitions! So I remind myself this is simply my blogging about retirement life transitions.
As far as bumps in the road… I’ve had 2 major ones and I looked back and yup, I blogged about both! One blog was “bump in the road”! January 2017 (you must have read that one already since you used the term). Then the second was “change of plan” in Dec 17. 2017 was a tough year. This year, I’m coming to realize we’re experiencing another one at the moment that is changing the life plan (more to come on that as it plays out).
In all cases (past and current), I know I’ve gone back to my life vision based on my values and taken a solid look at the plans. In the first bump, I had to change some “design criteria” and fight with family (who perceived the bump as a failure on my part). I also had to come to terms with being my SIL’s primary caregiver for life…. accepting, letting go of resentment.
The second bump (breast cancer) has changed my physical capability ( I came off HRT at the same time as going on long-term medical oncology – messes with your body long term). So besides lots of short term plans gone out the door, I have a new reality and needed to shift my thinking on what I can do in a day (physically). Being able to accept the new reality was helped because my hubby is known to say “it is what it is”… and my friends are all supportive of me – both on-line blogging buddies and IRL friends.
I’m currently drafting a blog about things on my bucket list and should they be dropped or not! Modifying or refining life plans is all part of continued transitioning I think. Letting go of things (dreams, plans) might require you to grieve a bit… which is fine. I think it’s important to take the time to grieve the losses, and time to just be with the void (I blogged about this idea early on as well). Then allow the new things to activate – new ideas, new dreams. There’s always possibilities!
Good luck to you… when is the big date for retirement?
LikeLike
That is very helpful, thank you. My big date is October 1 (76 days, but who’s counting?).
I stumbled across a retranslation of the psalms by the poet Stephen Mitchell. Psalm 1 resonated with me at this time, especially the part about letting go of illusions and delighting in the way things are:
Blessed are the man and the woman who have grown beyond their greed
and have put an end to their hatred and no longer nourish illusions.
But they delight in the way things are and keep their hearts open, day and night.
They are like trees planted near flowing rivers, which bear fruit when
they are ready. Their leaves will not fall or wither.
Everything they do will succeed.
Poetry seems to be insinuating its way on to my activity list. At first it was just a memorization to keep my mind sharp but the words of the poets are starting to sing.
Liz
LikeLiked by 1 person
Liz, that is lovely! I like the “delight in the way things are”…. it feels like how I am trying to live each day!
LikeLike
Love the A-Z Pat! An African Safari…WOW! Not on my bucket list, but just WOW!
Is now A for Antique Dealer????
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nancy, It was challenging to decide which things to assign to the primary letters! The African Safari was a dream vacation … probably the best trip of our lifetime. (It will be hard to top for sure!) So it needed to be its own letter – either A or S or T (travel). Antique dealer was an interesting exploration (5 months) that helped me get rid of a number of things as we downsized. I was happy that the items went to people who would appreciate them (people who shop in antique stores). It was not however something that really captured my interest, so not continued.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like your style … and you’ve given me some good idea. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah – I love when people get new ideas…. which one’s are you possibly reapplying?
LikeLike
What an inspiring list! I admire the fact you have been so adventurous and always on the look out for new opportunities. I hope I can accomplish half of what you are doing once I retire.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve determined that I like trying new mini-adventures. It works for me…. so only if it works for you too should you even take it on as you retire. And keep in mind, this was also looking back on 5 years of retirement!
LikeLike
Love this, Pat!
I don’t have a grand passion either, and probably never will. I’m a proud “dabbler”. I get interested in something, explore it fully, and move on. Or keep at it, but add it to the growing list of other stuff that interests me. Nothing wrong with that. A university professor recognized this quality in me early on and told me what I was. Deb, he said, the diggers get the Nobel prizes, but the dabblers have all the fun! Words to live by… 😉
LikeLiked by 4 people
Deb, Oooh… Dabbler. Love the “Dabblers have all the fun”. I’m going to add that to my growing list of description terms for myself! I just added “designated planner” as I’ve determined that my friends actually appreciate that I do it (and even express that appreciation). I wonder… Dedicated Dabbler?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow Pat! Another great article. Again you continue to provide inspiration for me. Your tendency to structure really hits home for me. I still start each day with a subgoal that fits into some larger goal that I have. Achieving it helps me to feel satisfied that I have achieved something that day. I even am starting to “just be” but I can only handle so much of that right now! Keep your articles coming!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fran, I have to laugh when you point out my tendency to structure. I think it’s one of my unique skills! At work, folks called my structures/frameworks “Pat Charts” as in asking “can you give me a pat-chart on that” to another colleague. That said, I’m also a structure girl in other ways, and I like that I can link my daily activities to my bigger life vision. I added in “contemplative” to my life vision to build that “just be” component in. It’s not the easiest for this recovering workaholic to do, for sure.
LikeLike
Well, your tendency to structure appeals to me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great list of activities! You are doing what brings you joy in retirement.. and that’s what it’s all about.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Janis, Just last week I was feeling like “i’ve failed at retirement” because of a compare & despair encounter. I’ve been pulling this post together for a few weeks, so finishing it and posting was a really positive feeling of accomplishment – I’ve done a bunch and I’ve done some super fun stuff, too. It’s my highlight reel!!
LikeLike
What an assortment of experiences and activities you have enjoyed since retiring. You are such an inspiration. I really feel that I have become bolder and riskier in my retirement years. Such a liberating experience.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was super fun to look back and see how many things I’ve tried since retirement. A good anniversary activity.
LikeLike
I love your A-Z…and, here’s a little secret between us…I’ve often had a fascination with becoming an antique dealer…but promise you won’t tell anyone?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jo, it’s going to be fun to see what people respond to in the list! I did it for about 5 months and got rid of some stuff that we had from both sets of parents. I rented a “consignment booth” at a local antique mall, the kind that is managed all the time by paid staff. Even with the rental and the management fees, I ended up in the black – not much, but i worried it would be in the red! And I believe the stuff went to people who would appreciate it. It did not catch my fascination that much to keep with it though.
LikeLiked by 1 person