One of my favorite sayings is “eat the elephant one bite at a time.” I like this because it reminds me that I don’t have to approach everything from an all or nothing perspective. It affords me the opportunity to break things down into smaller manageable pieces, which gives me a more immediate sense of accomplishment. And most importantly, this keeps me moving forward. You might be wondering what any of this has to do with the title of my article.
Well, about 20 years ago, my husband and I decided that we wanted to retire early. So, we made that a priority in our plan. And in 2019, just before the pandemic, we were blessed to be able to reach that milestone.
However, for the last few years, I have not been feeling “retired” and really started thinking about why not. I’d often heard people say that they were busier retired than when they were working and wondered how that could be. I quickly found out.
I was offered a position by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, through School & Main Institute, one month after I retired. I did this while partnering with my husband, continuing to build our 14-year-old Health & Wealth home-based business, and starting Starchild Productions, a family-based business focused on bringing people together through music, travel, and life enrichment experiences. I was encouraged and inspired to write a book. I am still writing for the Point of View newspaper, now for almost 20 years. And I remain active in my church leading and participating in various ministries, while mentoring and motivating women to become their best version of themselves.
I have enjoyed and still do enjoy much of what I’ve been blessed to experience. But I’ve come to a point in my journey where the term “retirement” has taken on a new meaning for me. Much of my focus has been on letting go versus taking on. I struggled with this feeling, because it felt somewhat selfish. But I have accepted and am ready to let go of what doesn’t bring me peace.
When I thought about why I was struggling, it’s because I’ve never been or done the minimum in anything that I set out to accomplish. I was never comfortable with mediocre and know that those in leadership positions are held to higher standards. The solution?
I’m letting go of leading and experiencing joy by transitioning skills, sharing, encouraging and building up the next generation. I’m letting go of things that have become so familiar that I’ve mistaken them for feeling good. I’m letting go of saying “no” and feeling bad about it. And I’m absolutely letting go of that which I have no control over because I have plenty that I can, want, and need to control.
I’m looking forward to my new fully retired status by embracing being still long enough to be led into my future. I’m embracing knowing I can do anything, but it’s okay if I don’t want to do anything. I’m embracing making choices that help me create peaceful moments. I’m embracing opportunities to be exposed to new cultures, new places, and new people.
In 2025, I am letting go so that I can experience being fully retired, based on my terms.
I wish each one of you a very happy, healthy, and prosperous NEW YEAR! ■