ReFirement Life

REFLECTIONS ON MY 7TH INNING STRETCH I fully retired about a year ago after a previous year of stress (lawsuit threat, cancer, business sale and family drama).  Unlike a baseball game where there is a time limit on the 7th inning stretch, I think everyone's timeline and experience will be unique.  I was mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted so I have taken my time and I am grateful that I had the resources to do so. During the 7th inning stretch at a baseball game, some go for refreshments or the restroom, some chat with friends and strangers or just relax in the sun.  I like to stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" then dance to "Haaaaaay Baby" after which I'll drink a beer (and I hate beer).  This past year I have been singing with relief (I'm cancer free, the business sale went extremely well, the lawsuit went away...family drama still exists, but you can't have everything).  I've also been dancing with adventure (travel...

During my years of working full-time, I always looked forward to my 3 day weekends and you probably do as well.  However, I do not look forward to the prospects of a 30 Year long weekend. I have spent the better part of my professional life helping people financially prepare for "retirement."   Frankly, I did a good job for them and for myself as well.  However, now that I have "arrived" at retirement and recognize that I could live well into my 90's, I recognize the next 20+ years of my life is a journey that I am not fully prepared for.  I am at the crossroads of "if I am what I do, then who am I when I don't? "  In other words, if my identity is my work, who am I when I am no longer working? One way to answer that question is to never stop working.  Despite the fact that I sold my business,  I still consult with a handful of clients that want my help, but it does not equate to 40 hours per week. So, I have begun asking myself some questi...