Retirement.

When I lie down at night and it is still light in our bedroom, I appreciate the shadows, the cool wind rustling through the tree outside our window, and the late sunshine dappling the walls. It is a wonderfully peaceful time of day and I feel deeply grateful for my home, my bed and life itself.

Our grandson’s success as an actor. He has worked hard and is beginning to “make it.”

I recently had my first hospital stay ever (I am in my 60’s) and it was a sobering experience. Aging really is happening, even to me! I will savor life itself, with a special blessing to all those caretakers who helped me so much during my stay.

I agree–not watch or read the news!

I am preparing to retire in a year, and while I have been blessed with many friends, a loving husband and fulfilling work, I worry about isolation and loneliness. I have worked for nearly 40 years–and have always found great meaning in helping others. I am feeling afraid that I won’t find anything else and that my days will be empty and long. Letting go is hard and trusting the process is even harder. Thank you all for your comments today.

I am kind and welcoming to every student I meet, for I am genuinely grateful they are here.

A student’s success! I work in a community college and get to see many first generation students come to college and graduate with the first degree in the family. So exciting! I just can’t stop smiling…

Listen carefully first until the person is truly finished speaking.

Loving, generous, compassionate, pretty, happy, smart, artistic, good friend, humanitarian, sensitive

Peace is all around me. My home is a quiet haven. My husband is a lovely partner and friend. I am mostly healthy and doing work that benefits others. I will hold that peace even in the face of the daily onslaught of terrible political news.

People may forget what you said, they may forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

By noticing when I am tired or not feeling well. I tend to soldier through even when I should be resting. My body goes into overdrive trying to do all I am asking. I end up feeling tired and depleted from all the “should’s” that keep piling up.
Today I am working from home and taking time to rest between projects. I already feel better.

Beautiful green trees and a glorious blue sky. Welcome, morning!

I feel in tune with the Universe when I can help a student achieve their dream. I hold each one in the highest esteem, and know that our interactions are holy.

I am grateful that my body still works well, with a few minor aches and pains. I stay active and enjoy the bounty of friendships, family and satisfying work bring to my life. It is a daily miracle to wake up and function!

I am considering retirement in a year or so and I don’t know what to expect, so I vacillate between joy and apprehension.
While I look forward to the freedom, I also realize it is a milestone in my life, that much of my time is already over!
That said, my working years have been good ones, and I know I will find other ways to use my talents in retirement.

I am not a religious person, but I see the “God” in my friends and family. Every day they demonstrate their highest and best qualities and give back to their communities, as I strive to do the same.

I couldn’t agree more.

Thank you, Sheila, for your encouraging reply.