88 days ago I officially retired. I packed my things at school, organized what I was leaving behind, said my tearful goodbyes, and walked out the door. I was not really sure what loomed ahead of me. Some who had taken the plunge before me said that I would love it, others were doubtful and said that I would miss it.
Over the past eighty eight days I must confess that I have felt a range of emotions. In the last weeks of July, as my fellow teachers posted about trainings and meetings that they were attending, I was actually surprised that I felt a tinge of regret at not being there with them. On the first day of school I had to share in the excitement, so I prepared goodie bags for the middle school team of which I had been a member. I suppose it was my way of saying, "I am really still there." As September brought on the changing of leaves here in eastern Kentucky it brought with it the yearly school fair, which most of us teachers secretly dreaded. I actually found myself missing the excitement and hubbub.
Everywhere I go these days I get the same question, "So, how is retirement?" I don't really have a standard answer. Some days I have been joyful that I didn't have to attend those long meetings after an already long day of teaching. Others, I secretly long for the thrill of having a student's eyes suddenly light up as they "get it."
I have been filling my days with crocheting- orders placed by friends and customers who saw something on Pinterest and now know that I have time to fill those orders. It has kept me busy, but I long for a more personal connection- that inner knowledge that someone, somewhere wants to communicate with me and see what I have to say. Because of that, I thought it was time to overhaul my blog. I now have the time to post more regularly; I just need to get myself into a flow with it. I would also like to widen my audience and include more "me".
I would like to post at least 3 days a week. Monday will be "Message Monday" where I will share a post about God, my faith, and whatever lesson God is giving me. Wednesday will be "What's Happening". On that day I plan to share whatever project I am currently working on. Fridays I will be participating in the Five Minute Friday posts that are shared each week by Kate Motaung.
That is the plan- now I need some followers to help make me accountable. I would love for you to sign up to get my updates as I post each week. I would also love for you to drop a comment and let me know that you are out there, reading my blog and relating to what I say. Look at the top right of this page and you will see a little blue button that allows you to follow me. That makes it easy for you to get the updates as I post. Please consider coming along for the ride on "My Life's Merry-Go-Round."
It takes a while to realize you are not on vacation-YOU ARE RETIRED!! It is hard to let go of what was a wonderful time of your life, especially when everyone else (family) have their life and things to do. You are on your own-stay busy, enjoy, and get a routine. Try not to let everyone else fill your time-since you are retired have nothing to do. Most of all-have fun-you earned it!!
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