18 Months to Retirement and Beyond

CinnamonSugar

CinnamonSugar

A Quiet American
I will retire in December 2022; I turn 65 in that month.

I want to make a plan, not just financially, but also for personal growth and goals to be ready for this change.

(And it *will* be a change... I love what I do (RN) and have a hard time imagining not nursing)

Some things on my 'to do' list over the coming months...
Plan for travel--I want to go places where I can see live ballet, orchestra, theater, art
But
Also plan for staying at times in my 'base camp' in South Georgia. The area has changed a lot since I raised my kids there; the pandemic has closed or hindered a lot of businesses and activities; people I knew 3 years ago (before I started travel nursing) have moved, passed away or their life has gone in another direction. So I want to take the time (each month I have five days off in a row I can spend there) to reconnect with folks I know that are still there, find out what is again available (like Community Chorus or Community Theater; does the public library still have a reading group?, etc.) and become involved again with my home church

This is probably the most challenging aspect for me, the social aspect.

I am good at work, I flourish in a productive atmosphere that challenges my intellect and creativity.

But in a social situation I'm about as comfortable as a cow on concrete. Not good at reading social "cues" and tend to shrink from situations where I have to put myself forward and meet new people, especially if everyone is standing around in already-established circles of conversation--body language seems to say, "We're fully involved here, no room for a new person"

So I'm setting myself some challenges/goals:
>>Learn something new every month
>>Be thankful for something specific every day
>>Give myself a daily "high-five"; compliment myself on something I've accomplished or at which I've succeeded

Lastly: Do Something I Fear at least once a week. Starting this diary checks off that box ;)

Will you help me be accountable? Look forward to sharing the journey with y'all.
 

That sounds so good! Don't forget to add daily prayer to your plan. He will go before you, preparing the way. He will place people in your path who will help you and bless you. He will guide and direct your path. Most of all he will prepare you for these beginning stages of your retired life, as you work & wait. We will be cheering for you!:)
 
Meanderer said:
That sounds so good! Don't forget to add daily prayer to your plan. He will go before you, preparing the way. He will place people in your path who will help you and bless you. He will guide and direct your path. Most of all he will prepare you for these beginning stages of your retired life, as you work & wait. We will be cheering for you!:)
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Thank you, @Meanderer! Yes, prayer is step #1 and I am believing Him to guide me. 🥰
 
CinnamonSugar said:
I will retire in December 2022; I turn 65 in that month.

I want to make a plan, not just financially, but also for personal growth and goals to be ready for this change.

(And it *will* be a change... I love what I do (RN) and have a hard time imagining not nursing)

Some things on my 'to do' list over the coming months...
Plan for travel--I want to go places where I can see live ballet, orchestra, theater, art
But
Also plan for staying at times in my 'base camp' in South Georgia. The area has changed a lot since I raised my kids there; the pandemic has closed or hindered a lot of businesses and activities; people I knew 3 years ago (before I started travel nursing) have moved, passed away or their life has gone in another direction. So I want to take the time (each month I have five days off in a row I can spend there) to reconnect with folks I know that are still there, find out what is again available (like Community Chorus or Community Theater; does the public library still have a reading group?, etc.) and become involved again with my home church

This is probably the most challenging aspect for me, the social aspect.

I am good at work, I flourish in a productive atmosphere that challenges my intellect and creativity.

But in a social situation I'm about as comfortable as a cow on concrete. Not good at reading social "cues" and tend to shrink from situations where I have to put myself forward and meet new people, especially if everyone is standing around in already-established circles of conversation--body language seems to say, "We're fully involved here, no room for a new person"

So I'm setting myself some challenges/goals:
>>Learn something new every month
>>Be thankful for something specific every day
>>Give myself a daily "high-five"; compliment myself on something I've accomplished or at which I've succeeded

Lastly: Do Something I Fear at least once a week. Starting this diary checks off that box ;)

Will you help me be accountable? Look forward to sharing the journey with y'all.
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God I love your honesty and some of the similarities we share. Good luck with all that.
 
CinnamonSugar said:
Will you help me be accountable?
Click to expand...
The fun thing about retirement, is.... you no longer have to be accountable.

But, yeah, the new adventure will be fun
Doing whatever you want to do, whenever you want to do it.....aaaaall the time

aaaaaaaand, now, you can live in the moment, less things pressing


I put some words to a pic I took at the cabin

And I live by them



morning glory 100.jpg
 
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Time off from work and not having to wear a mask as often... I am making a conscious effort to smile at people and make a cheerful, light comment.

I live in my own head too much, I know. Or I speak so timidly and quietly, the person doesn't hear me. I'm trying to be more open and friendly.

profileporch.jpg

Oh, an it's nice to wear lipstick again!!
 
CinnamonSugar said:
I stepped out of my comfort zone today, and introduced myself to a lady after daily Mass.
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Mazel tov - good for you.

Coincidently, I was just talking to an old friend, a lapsed Catholic, who's just returning to the fold. He was feeling encouraged that he was starting to put himself out there with a bible study his parish holds on Wednesdays..

I suggested maybe finding another group, where threads of commonality are already a given. Ken enjoys dabbling in woodworking. He says that this afternoon he's going to go a'goolong to see what he can find.

Maybe next time, if you stop to chat after Mass, suggest meeting for coffee...
 
CinnamonSugar said:
Time off from work and not having to wear a mask as often... I am making a conscious effort to smile at people and make a cheerful, light comment.

I live in my own head too much, I know. Or I speak so timidly and quietly, the person doesn't hear me. I'm trying to be more open and friendly.

View attachment 169748

Oh, an it's nice to wear lipstick again!!
Click to expand...
I sincerely respect nurses and the personal discipline the profession requires but now, from what you are saying, it sounds like it is time for you to leave the cocoon and let the butterfly out. Grab life by the ears and have a ball.
 
I've been noticing something over the last couple weeks...

I am suspicious of feeling happy

As things come together both personally and planning for retirement, I'm trying to keep a positive attitude, but I find myself thinking, "Things are going too well. The other shoe is going to drop. I'm due for something unpleasant to happen."

(That probably sounds crazy, I know)

Guess it's safe to say that I've lived most of my life as a anxious perfectionist. Over-thinking; over-analyzing. Fearing failure; fearing success.

Even as I have the opportunity to live more freely, and am trying to "learn the rhythms of grace," it's really hard to break out of those old patterns.

I won't ever get it completely right, but God gives me grace and I will keep giving myself grace as well, allow myself to fail--allow myself to succeed!

Thank you for allowing me to be open and honest here.
 
CinnamonSugar said:
I've been noticing something over the last couple weeks...

I am suspicious of feeling happy

As things come together both personally and planning for retirement, I'm trying to keep a positive attitude, but I find myself thinking, "Things are going too well. The other shoe is going to drop. I'm due for something unpleasant to happen."

(That probably sounds crazy, I know)

Guess it's safe to say that I've lived most of my life as a anxious perfectionist. Over-thinking; over-analyzing. Fearing failure; fearing success.

Even as I have the opportunity to live more freely, and am trying to "learn the rhythms of grace," it's really hard to break out of those old patterns.

I won't ever get it completely right, but God gives me grace and I will keep giving myself grace as well, allow myself to fail--allow myself to succeed!

Thank you for allowing me to be open and honest here.
Click to expand...
I think you are due for something even better to happen. You are a gift!
 
My "high-five" to myself from yesterday

(A little background... I tend to be polite and accommodating to a fault)

I was going to our town's public library and had made a right turn into the (one way) narrow parking lot. There was a lady who was doing an awkward three point turn to use the entrance as an exit.

My past pattern would probably have been to back up and let her out. But I decided not to back down. No need for yelling, rude gestures or "blessing her out." I sat still.

She finally maneuvered her vehicle to the right so I could go through.

And I didn't waste emotional and mental energy wondering what she thought of me.

A small step in the right direction....
 

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