Very interesting article. I miss reading many of your posts, yet, also, have read many. For me personally, this was the best. I’m 68, searching for more purpose for 12 yrs since I retired from a profession I loved…elementary teaching. Recently, have new visions, your post is great food for thought. Is there more to discover about ourselves? Are we still curious? The word retirement wasn’t a good word for me and turning 60 and being in the 60’s is really so different than any other time especially or including if you get divorced in your 60’s….what an unexpected journey….I’m finding my way…no wonder I read your posts. ❤️
Jackie, this is exactly why I wrote it. I’ve discovered that retirement doesn’t end our curiosity. It finally gives us room to follow it. Those new visions are not arriving too late. They’re arriving because some part of you knows there is still more to discover. ❤️
I thought contentment was a learned behavior to stop looking for the preverbal greener gras and sit in your own dirt yard. Your take on it not being completion that leaves you just around the corner from a better space resonates. I am not retired yet because I like the disposable income and telling people what to do - you lose these in retirements unless you have a golden package and domestic help. So I was viewing it as lining like you died yesterday and everything in in your obituary- so nothing new and nothing to change as that is in the past - live the present as a spirit but enjoy the physical pleasures of life without having to prove anything or worry about reputation or anything that belongs in an obituary. This thought process goes against planning - it is moving me toward viewing retirement as looking for what treasures and pleasure each day brings. Your perspective leads in a similar direction but with purpose
So much of this resonates with me. I’ve been floating around trying to figure out what my next is. Curiosity has never been difficult for me. I am so grateful for the Internet because I can satisfy any itch that occurs to me!
I keep these shares in a very special place. You have a wonderful, unique, clever, brilliant, witty way of going beyond the rational reality and pushing us to get curious. To go beyond the social norms and get real. Be the real new version of us at 50, 60, 70 and on, and keep listening to that inner voice. The spirit. The voice of the Soul that knows that keeps encouraging us to quietly and curiously evolve in this lifetime. Thank you for the observations, reflections, and gentle encouragement to step away and live my soul-directed journey. Not what the omnipresent society and social norms seem to think we need to do? It is so interesting that we think everyone else cares so much when they are busy with their own lives, and do we really care about what other people think, when we are living our own truth and owning it:-)
Great post, Monica! Very thought provoking and the nudge I needed! I am absolutely content and happy… but I do feel the tug of curiosity and learning still at 82. Piano lessons? Australia again? Sleep on a train ride going west, meet a guy, be brave enough to do it solo! That is holding me back I know. And finances… but I’m ready to plan, to save, to just do it! Thank you for writing this …so very true! 🙌👍❤️Love and hugs! 🤗🤗
When I retired (after working my entire life, beginning with babysitting as a youngster then publishing as an adult, and finally, founding my own company) I enjoyed doing "nothing" for a while. Got up and wondered what the day held for me, a completely new concept! It was delicious. For a while. When that wore off I did some freelance work, started a blog, and joined a learning in retirement group, which led to friendships, and material for the blog. Now I write on Substack, have an active social and intellectual life—and am never bored.
I hope to continue expanding, evolving, enlarging my worldview and my "self-view" right up to the threshold of passing through the veil. I no longer have to invest enormous energy in raising children, working for someone else, etc., which took up a tremendous amount of time in my younger years. And now, with a healthier ego and my trusted soul, I can spend quality time with what sparks my curiosity and interest. At 72, I want to live the rest of my life authentically with heart and eyes wide open. As that old beer commercial used to say, "Go with the gusto!"
Very interesting article. I miss reading many of your posts, yet, also, have read many. For me personally, this was the best. I’m 68, searching for more purpose for 12 yrs since I retired from a profession I loved…elementary teaching. Recently, have new visions, your post is great food for thought. Is there more to discover about ourselves? Are we still curious? The word retirement wasn’t a good word for me and turning 60 and being in the 60’s is really so different than any other time especially or including if you get divorced in your 60’s….what an unexpected journey….I’m finding my way…no wonder I read your posts. ❤️
Jackie, this is exactly why I wrote it. I’ve discovered that retirement doesn’t end our curiosity. It finally gives us room to follow it. Those new visions are not arriving too late. They’re arriving because some part of you knows there is still more to discover. ❤️
One of your best Monica. I recognize so much of myself in your words. Thank you for sharing in your honest true voice.
I thought contentment was a learned behavior to stop looking for the preverbal greener gras and sit in your own dirt yard. Your take on it not being completion that leaves you just around the corner from a better space resonates. I am not retired yet because I like the disposable income and telling people what to do - you lose these in retirements unless you have a golden package and domestic help. So I was viewing it as lining like you died yesterday and everything in in your obituary- so nothing new and nothing to change as that is in the past - live the present as a spirit but enjoy the physical pleasures of life without having to prove anything or worry about reputation or anything that belongs in an obituary. This thought process goes against planning - it is moving me toward viewing retirement as looking for what treasures and pleasure each day brings. Your perspective leads in a similar direction but with purpose
So much of this resonates with me. I’ve been floating around trying to figure out what my next is. Curiosity has never been difficult for me. I am so grateful for the Internet because I can satisfy any itch that occurs to me!
I keep these shares in a very special place. You have a wonderful, unique, clever, brilliant, witty way of going beyond the rational reality and pushing us to get curious. To go beyond the social norms and get real. Be the real new version of us at 50, 60, 70 and on, and keep listening to that inner voice. The spirit. The voice of the Soul that knows that keeps encouraging us to quietly and curiously evolve in this lifetime. Thank you for the observations, reflections, and gentle encouragement to step away and live my soul-directed journey. Not what the omnipresent society and social norms seem to think we need to do? It is so interesting that we think everyone else cares so much when they are busy with their own lives, and do we really care about what other people think, when we are living our own truth and owning it:-)
I’m nine weeks post leaving work (healthcare), aged in my mid sixties. Great writing
Great post, Monica! Very thought provoking and the nudge I needed! I am absolutely content and happy… but I do feel the tug of curiosity and learning still at 82. Piano lessons? Australia again? Sleep on a train ride going west, meet a guy, be brave enough to do it solo! That is holding me back I know. And finances… but I’m ready to plan, to save, to just do it! Thank you for writing this …so very true! 🙌👍❤️Love and hugs! 🤗🤗
Interesting 🤔
Never thought about life this way.
Yes content but fulfilled.....???
When I retired (after working my entire life, beginning with babysitting as a youngster then publishing as an adult, and finally, founding my own company) I enjoyed doing "nothing" for a while. Got up and wondered what the day held for me, a completely new concept! It was delicious. For a while. When that wore off I did some freelance work, started a blog, and joined a learning in retirement group, which led to friendships, and material for the blog. Now I write on Substack, have an active social and intellectual life—and am never bored.
Find something that works for you.
But don't just sit there!
Thank you. You proved my point splendidly!
Delighted to do it!
I hope to continue expanding, evolving, enlarging my worldview and my "self-view" right up to the threshold of passing through the veil. I no longer have to invest enormous energy in raising children, working for someone else, etc., which took up a tremendous amount of time in my younger years. And now, with a healthier ego and my trusted soul, I can spend quality time with what sparks my curiosity and interest. At 72, I want to live the rest of my life authentically with heart and eyes wide open. As that old beer commercial used to say, "Go with the gusto!"
You caught my attention today. Still writing. Still retired. Still contented. But those years ahead have me curious.
I have quite often felt the same way.
Thank you.🙏
I'll be 59 here soon..but with having Multiple Sclerosis ..not much you can plan ahead with anyways!..
Nice well written article tho!
Sounds like a pretty full day to me. Carry on.