Surviving Retirement - 1 Year Later

June, 2013

It's difficult to believe that it's been a whole year since I retired.  So much has changed in this past year.  Less work stress and more rest have definitely made a difference.  I feel more relaxed, and I'm even sleeping better.  I actually feel rested when I wake up!


My health has greatly improved.  No longer am I going to numerous doctor's appointments and hearing, "Be patient; it's going to take awhile for you to get well again.  Get as much rest as you can".  Now I'm hearing comments like, "You look great!  Your tests results look good!  I'll see you again in 6-12 months".  Even my vision has improved!

And what have I done with my extra time?  People told me that the key to successful retirement is to stay busy, and I certainly have been busy!  I've been on "business trips" with my husband to Florida and Texas.  Florida in February was especially nice; I loved swimming in the outdoor heated pool in the wintertime.  Trips are especially fun now without taking papers to grade and other schoolwork. 

There's more time for crafting, sewing, and home projects.  I've decorated cupcakes for grand-kids' birthdays, made lots of cookies, made costumes and dresses, made a basket, helped create a headboard, and helped a quilt to grow!

This year for the first time in my life, I experienced my favorite season, spring, 3 times in 3 states!  My "first spring", of course, was in Louisiana.  The "second spring" was in late March/early April in Texas when I helped with my newborn granddaughter and family.  My "third spring" was near Washington, D.C., in late April/early May when I cared for my youngest grandson while his parents were on a trip.  I even helped train their dog to stop barking at the dogs that he saw on TV!  The "teacher look" and "teacher voice" still come in handy in unexpected ways!

Starting my blog has taken a lot of time, but it has definitely been very rewarding.  I am feeling very useful again!

Although I am not receiving a paycheck, I still feel like a teacher.  In the fall of 2012, I started teaching children at church again on Sunday mornings - storytelling, crafts, music, and puppetry.  This summer I started a new venture - I am teaching an Art Class in my home for grand-kids and friends.  This week I will again be Storyteller at VBS at our church.

Retirement was the right decision for me.  I've seen other teachers and staff members from our parish, and they tell me that of course they miss me, but they are glad that I am not back at school getting "over-stressed" again.  I tell them that I am glad that I retired, and I will pray for them.

I am feeling creative again. 

I have energy.
 

I feel alive!!

I have survived a year of retirement!  Thank you Lord for your blessings!