Retired and getting older

Now that I have retired and have lots of time to think about things and think about nothing, I do just that. We retire when we get older and have put away a dollar or two. Often times we think that the dollars we put away will pull us through since our expenses are down to a minimum. Then reality sets in and we get the idea it is not quite as easy as we thought. It is a big adjustment but it is within reason. Sure, we may not be able to take the trips around the world, buy a new car and the big screen TV but it can be done.

After this shock sets in and you adjust then you realize you "may" be older. You don't feel any older, in fact you feel pretty good since the "rat race" strain has eased off and you may have been told that you look better, more relaxed, but you are still 68 or 65 or whatever age you chose to retire at. Since you have the time now you try to visit family and friends a little more, especially the ones you haven't seen or spent time with in a while. As you do that you realize we all are getting older and that is actually the good news. Many of our friends and family are on the decline or not making it. Then some of your free time while being retired is visiting sick people or going to memorial services. Damn!!! Why didn't I go see them earlier or drop by and chat with them more often. There are no guarantees in life.

It can be tough sometimes because you love them but you have not found the time to go and see them or call them or drop them a birthday card or "thinking of you" card. How many years has it been and how long have you known them?? WOW!! Maybe it is just me but I don't consider sending them an email as a very personal contact. Everybody emails, or forwards emails, so it has lost the real life touch as far as I can see it. People need people and it is good to keep in touch with the ones you know and care about. Wow, I need to get off my soapbox and wipe my tears away and enjoy life and my retirement. I have been retired just over a year now and have been to 6 funerals/memorial services and even missed some more. Life it too precious, so enjoy it while you can and hug a friend, kiss family, pat an animals head, and say something nice to someone on the street or in a store. I guess I have too much time to think about things but I believe it is great to smile and say hello or good morning to a stranger and stay close to friends and family.