When I retired I immediately plowed full steam ahead in two areas; traveling and focusing on getting my body mind and spirit in optimal health. I have been photo documenting my adventures and creating reels that I post to social media. I’m shocked by the number of friends and acquaintances who say, “Hey, I really love seeing all the places you’re going and things you’re doing. Keep posting.” This blog is meant to do just that…share the places I’m going and the things and I’m doing. It will provide more detail and information than a photo, and maybe you will decide to check out some of the fun places and activities I love. If so, I’m here to help!
For more background, the abbreviated version of my life story is below.
My story is not entirely uncommon. I graduated high school, started college, met my husband, quit college, got married, and started having kids. I worked a few part time jobs but nothing that would keep me from being the primary care giver for my children.
When my youngest was a toddler, I went back to school and finished my degree, earning my bachelors in elementary education. Imagine for a second if you will, raising two kids, working a part time job, and going to school…like I said…not entirely uncommon. This image is important to note, however, because it sets the stage. I, like most people in their twenties and thirties, was living life full steam ahead…crazy busy was the norm.
I finished school and started teaching full time. I quickly added cheer coaching to my plate and then returned to school for my masters. I immersed myself in self study, took every opportunity to attend conferences, and eventually started presenting at a few. I craved knowledge, searched for ways to improve my skills, and was on the constant lookout for the next task or challenge, which never hesitated to present itself.
When the opportunity to start leading groups of high school students on educational trips overseas fell into my lap…I jumped on it. After a few years of traveling, touching history with my bare hands, and seeing young minds open with an interest and awe they never knew they possessed, my heart really wanted to spend all my time as an educator in a high school classroom…teaching history. I wanted more opportunities to teach that age group, to share my passion for history, and to continue to see that passion spark in others.
The opportunity to teach high school history, unfortunately, was not available in my district and I wasn’t going to leave. Instead, I accepted the job of high school principal. I could at least have the opportunity to interact with those high school kids (who used to be my elementary kids)…and I’m always up for a good challenge! Oh but wait…I accepted the position in May 2020…two months after we had shut down our entire school. I had no idea what I was getting into.
My time as principal lasted three years. In January of the third year, after waking from yet another nightmare, with yet another panic attack, I knew it was time. I had no idea what was next, but I knew I needed to leave the field of education. Fortunately, my husband devoted his entire to career to the same company, and it paid off (literally). We were both able to retire, together, at the ages of 52 and 55.
We have been on the move non stop since retirement…traveling, working on home updates, and traveling some more. Remember earlier when I said crazy busy was the norm? That’s how I’ve lived my whole life…that’s the only pace I’ve ever known…but now things have slowed down and I find myself asking that question that most retirees do after about a year or so. Now what? Dr. Riley Moynes in his Ted Talk, The 4 Phases of Retirement, describes this process well.
I’m definitely in the trial and error phase (Phase 3 of Dr Moynes’s four phases), and looking for the next fun project that will hopefully give me a sense of purpose as well. This blog shares some of those trials and errors.
And honestly…my husband and I are living a pretty amazing life right now! It’s not bad! Why not share that with others? My days are filled with a few common themes, and we’ll talk about all of them here. Health and Wellness, Travel, Cooking, Food, Wine, Hobbies, Gardening…and more to come.
This blog is my diary, put out there to the world. My new project. To share, connect with, and hopefully inspire others. Let’s go!
