I never expected to be wide awake by 2:00 AM on Day 4 of being retired. Nor did I expect finally slowing down to be a thing. Yet, there I was, staring at the ceiling while the entire world slumbered. It wasn’t until I made my way to the window that I saw something I hadn’t expected: snow in the mountains of Virginia. These quiet, early-morning snows seem to bring a … [Read more...] about Retirement Day 5 – If You’ve Ever Rushed Through Life and Are Finally Slowing Down, This Story Is for You
Depression
Retirement: What Day Three Really Looks Like (Hint: Not What I Planned)
Somehow, Day Three doesn’t seem as calm and quiet as I expected. But as I sit with it now, I can see that today was calmer—definitely calmer than Day Two. I didn’t feel the need to write a 17-item to-do list, and I didn’t wake up with that sense of urgency that I used to carry like a backpack full of rocks. I actually had less on my plate today, and that alone felt like a … [Read more...] about Retirement: What Day Three Really Looks Like (Hint: Not What I Planned)
I Wasn’t Ready for Retirement—So I Created a 18-Step Plan to Sidestep My First Days
Even though today was day two of my new retired life, it seemed more like day one. Yesterday was my first official day of retirement. I spent it flying from Boston to Dulles in northern Virginia. My son and daughter in law work from home, so he took an early lunch to get us to Logan. Several people have told me that I need to relax and enjoy myself. They envision my … [Read more...] about I Wasn’t Ready for Retirement—So I Created a 18-Step Plan to Sidestep My First Days
My Depression Wants to Know Why I Am Retiring
[ I just sent this to my siblings, wife, children, nieces, and nephews. My goal is to update them on my relationship with my depression and alert them to my second retirement.] I began getting a paycheck before I was ten. I kind of fudged my birthday so I could deliver the Montgomery County Sentinel newspaper once a week. The newspaper said I must be ten. I was going to … [Read more...] about My Depression Wants to Know Why I Am Retiring
I Look Fine. I’m Not. Here’s What You Don’t See.
Hidden depression is the ability to live with a constant ache that cannot be seen, but is felt. People may view you as being "fine" simply because you wake each day, work, engage in conversation, and can laugh on cue. I have gotten very, very good at looking alright. I smile, people know I can always crack a joke, and I show up and do what needs to be done. From the … [Read more...] about I Look Fine. I’m Not. Here’s What You Don’t See.
