Hi Everyone! It’s been a while since I have written anything on the blog so I thought it would be a good idea to give an update. There have been no changes recently. Just continuing to adjust to retirement.
This year is definitely a year of adjustment. I am continuing to detox from corporate America. Detoxing from that notion that I must be busy at all times. Retirement evokes a lot of feelings about the self and how to identify yourself in society. I think it’s even harder for early retirees because society has this underlying requirement that you have to work until you’re old like everyone else. I am adjusting to my place in the world.
Another big adjustment this year is that I turn 40 in July. I’ve been struggling with it. I usually don’t make a big fuss about birthdays. I don’t want to make a big fuss this year either but I feel like running off to Europe on a solo trip.
I am not sure why I have this strong feeling about a solo trip this year. Maybe because it’s a milestone birthday; or maybe it’s because I am retired now; or maybe it’s because I am getting older; or maybe I just want to hide out as the dawn of my 30’s gives birth to my 40’s.
As I am writing this I am realizing that I am going through major life changes this year. My internal self is reorganizing itself for a future of adventure. I think a solo trip is another challenge to the status quo.
I don’t know if I will actually take a solo trip to Europe for a couple reasons. One is my birthday is in July and that’s peak tourist season in Europe. I hate crowds so there’s that. I also hate paying peak season prices for everything. The second reason is we are going to Mexico in June so I am hoping Mexico settles my urge for adventure. Plus as much a solo trip would be great for my soul, I would much rather wait a little longer to when Jeff has more time to go with me. I love having shared memories with him.
For now I will continue to be gentle with myself during this adjustment period and be grateful for the opportunity to retire early. I literally don’t know what the future looks like and that’s a good thing. I used to have everything planned out to the minute on a spreadsheet but I am learning that’s no way to live. I am learning to take life with all it’s unexpected joys and go with the flow. Who knows maybe I am becoming exactly who I wanted to be.
Until next time.
AHA FIRE 