I am now six months into my retirement journey, and I can’t remember the last time I felt this wonderful. Health-wise, I have never felt better; in previous winters, I often caught colds or the flu, but this year was completely different—I didn’t get sick even once. The arrival of spring usually brings allergies, but surprisingly, the pollen didn’t bother me nearly as much as in past years. I attribute this newfound health to my commitment to a healthier diet and regular exercise, working out for at least an hour four times a week. It’s amazing how much energy and vitality I feel now.

However, there is one aspect of retirement that remains a challenge for me: adjusting to life without a daily work routine. Having worked since I was 14, the discipline and structure of a job have been ingrained in me for almost half a century. Even at 61, it’s hard to shake off the feeling that I should be waking up each morning with a destination in mind. That lingering sense of obligation can be overwhelming, but I remind myself that it’s okay to embrace the flexibility of my newfound freedom.

Don’t get me wrong; I absolutely revel in the joys of waking up leisurely or allowing myself to sleep in without the stress of what to wear, rushing through traffic, or worrying about where to park. I no longer have to scramble to remember my lunch or adhere to someone else’s schedule, and yet I still find myself subconsciously tethered to a regimented routine from my working years. I imagine that this sense of structure will gradually fade, allowing me to fully embrace a more spontaneous lifestyle.

Initially, I took time off to unwind and detox from that demanding work schedule, and I believe I’m still in that detox phase, albeit slowly. I notice subtle changes daily as my schedule shifts toward the activities I genuinely want to pursue. I am starting to reclaim my time in a way that feels authentic to me.

One of the most delightful aspects of retirement has been the opportunity to dedicate time to my writing. This newfound freedom has allowed me to make significant progress on my novel, more than I had achieved in the past decade. It’s exhilarating to dive back into my creative work, and I’m excited to see where the process takes me. I still have much to accomplish, but I feel invigorated by the possibilities ahead. I look forward to sharing more about my writing journey in future posts, as I continue to explore this passion that has always been a part of me.