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.