Beauty

[claros]

On 1/15/2015 rina33 said:

On 1/15/2015 tototwo said:

Welcome to the club, rina! Congratulations! Are you going to stay home? or find new hobbies? Enjoy yourself!

Well, I've really been on a roller-coaster the last week or so, and when my HR dept. told me I was eligible for retirement, I kind of freaked out. Funny thing is, as I was driving home, I felt a huge sense of relief, then suddenly thought, "OMG! I've got to look for another job".

It's difficult for me to imagine myself as "an old person". In fact, when HR said the "R" word to me, I almost burst into tears. You'd have thought they were asking me to eat rat poison.

Shoot, I could have retired 4 years, whoops make that 5 years ago, but I hated to admit I was that old. Definitely going for it in June though.

[3kids3pups]

Congratulations to you rina33! Enjoy this new chapter of the rest of your life.

Although I never formally "retired", I quit working my very stressful hospital job in 2013 at the age of 54. I had been there almost 30 years and began to feel very put upon and unappreciated. One day I just decided I was ready to be done with it.

It took me a long while to decompress. Lots of mixed feelings - mostly overwhelming relief, but also sadness and guilt sometimes too. I had to learn to be consciously present in the moment rather than always thinking ahead to what I needed to get done tomorrow or next week.

Fast forward to today and I see it was the best thing I EVER did. I am a calmer, kinder, more self-aware person now. My blood pressure readings are lower. Each day I remind myself how blessed I am to be able to live the life I always wanted and how fortunate I am to be able to do whatever I like. I say "yes" to myself more than I ever did before!

My DH is still working and has been completely supportive all the way. I spoil our furbabies to excess. I take better care of our home, the laundry and dinner prep get done with much more success. Our whole family has benefitted from this as far as I can see.

Be good to yourself, take your time with this retirement thing and best wishes!

[RinaRina]

On 1/16/2015 lovestoteach said:

To everyone wanting to join in... I started a Retirement Resolutions thread... ideas can go there... come join the discussion! I'm looking for ideas and I need encouragement!

Oh Fabulous!

[RinaRina]

On 1/16/2015 rina33 said:

On 1/16/2015 lovestoteach said:

To everyone wanting to join in... I started a Retirement Resolutions thread... ideas can go there... come join the discussion! I'm looking for ideas and I need encouragement!

Oh Fabulous!

Where is it? Pls leave link. Thx!

[Jump4joy2]

Welcome!! Kick back and enjoy your much deserved retirement!!!!

[RinaRina]

On 1/16/2015 rina33 said:

On 1/16/2015 lovestoteach said:

To everyone wanting to join in... I started a Retirement Resolutions thread... ideas can go there... come join the discussion! I'm looking for ideas and I need encouragement!

Oh Fabulous!

Thanks for the inspiration. I just walked my dog for an HOUR and miraculously, my knees don't hurt.