The Three R's: Refreshed, Renewed, Retired!

I could get used to this retirement scene, now already four weeks into what we all dream of throughout our working lives and honestly report that I have managed to accomplish a few realistic goals I assigned myself, having absolutely no experience with what this new journey would entail.  Number one goal (to not set the alarm for 6 a.m.) was the easiest to attain.  Of course, my body’s clock fought my perceived ideal wake up time of closer to 8 a.m., but I eventually won the battle.  I love slowly waking up with the sunrise, sea gulls chatting, gulf breezes gently stirring the bedroom curtains and my sweet sleeping husband, taking time to consider plans for the day before my feet hit the floor (coffee on the deck?, a walk around the neighborhood?, surprise Marty with breakfast?, work on my blog?).  

                                                                                                

Another goal of cleaning and preparing our guest bedroom for any anticipated company was successful after months of its only utility being storing holiday decorations.  I am reading, writing and coloring more, stressing less and even occasionally napping mid afternoon. 

When employed “9 to 5” for multiple (45+) years, it’s a big deal to one day, in the middle of the week (on a Wednesday, for goodness’ sake!), decide to put together a pot of homemade spaghetti sauce, an enjoyable task that up until now had only been reserved for the weekends.   Baking Marty’s favorite (from-scratch) oatmeal-raisin cookies on a recent Monday morning trumps transcribing medical records any day!  You might even spot us at our local Denny’s mid morning/mid week for a veggie omelet and coffee.

Though our dreams of my retirement always included impromptu sunset cruises in our deck boat, afternoons of fishing and/or lounging in the pool, the timing for such seasonal activities is not quite optimal with a cool and rainy spring season currently spoiling our relaxing outdoors.  But, there is no doubt that with the guaranteed arrival of Florida’s Nature Coast summer temperatures, enjoying our waterfront paradise is our eventual priority! 

Beyond the limitations the weather is creating, the struggles of dealing with obstacles in health maintenance continue.  Why can’t we retire at 32 as opposed to 62, at our most healthy selves?  Though we refuse to allow minor fitness matters to diminish our activity levels, our physical abilities don’t always match our mind’s desires.  For example, Marty wishes for us to visit and climb the Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica in the near future (again), but my reality leans toward happily remembering the one and only time I accomplished this feat!

Kick-starting my goal of pursuing writing is slow-going as well, though I have had two paid stints with an on-line magazine since retiring.  The details and outlining of a specific young adult nonfiction story continue to engage my mind during the days and sometimes arouse me from sleep.  With encouragement from friends and multiple resources for education regarding the writers’ process, confidence and motivation to get started are all I require. 

Thankfully, retirement is far from humdrum.  “What ever will I do?” has become “what necessary, yet relaxing, project may I complete today that I failed to accomplish while working?”  Yep, there are absolutely no regrets regarding this decision!

If someone had told me 20 years ago that I would realize a dream of waterfront living and that I would retire comfortably and happily at the young age of 62, I would not have believed it.  A multitude of life changes, both intended and otherwise, have led me to my cherishing every blessing cast my way.  There are those who believe the word retirement connotes a formidable change, a path to the end of life, a symbol of aging and the consequences, real and imagined, of such.  That I prefer to label my end of 45 years of working for a living as being re-freshed fuels my optimism for a gloriously relaxing and successful retirement.

"Salt life", originally a sticker for vehicles to identify a surfer, bodyboarder or general beach bum whose life centered around the ocean or related beach going activities has become a common phrase for those of us fortunate enough to live on the water and be a part of the wonders that part of nature affords us. 

My husband of 12 years and I share a paradise in what is called the Nature Coast, a 7 county area located from the panhandle of Florida to the South boundary of Pasco County, situated on the Gulf of Mexico.  Our community, aptly named Leisure Beach, boasts man made canals bordering each street (isle) with a 10 minute boat ride to the Gulf.  It is not uncommon for us to simply sit out on our dock that extends over the canal, enjoying a meal, a drink, each other's company as well as the frequent sightings of a family of dolphins, manatees, ducks and yes, the occasional shark and even gator that may find its way via the marsh that lines the south end of our neighborhood. 

Residing in a waterfront community offers an experience that does not compare to any other.  Though a good majority of our neighbors are "part-timers" (snow birds, many call such residents), the underlying vibe of everyone we've met is one of a never ending vacation, while many continue to be actively working.  That I am going to "re-fresh" in such a beautiful paradise where we can jump in our boat in a minute's warning, heading out to our "back yard" island beach, grab a fishing pole and relax on our dock, cool off in the pool day or night, is truly a dream come true.

With the suggestion and persistent encouragement of a lifelong and published author friend, I begin my new journey with you, sharing the calming moments as my husband and I spend a day filming dolphins following alongside our lazy spontaneous boat ride, the excitement of snagging a redfish or snook from our backyard dock, my experimenting with a recipe for such, collecting delicate shells from the nearby sand bar or simply relaxing as we take joy in the quiet nights with a constant refreshing gulf breeze, all of which define our "salt life" paradise.