Not exactly Retirement

At the end of March, 2014, I retired after working as a Registered Nurse almost continuously for 45 years.

I retired partly because my husband wanted us to retire together. In good health at retirement age, he had successfully fought through a bad bout with cancer a couple of years earlier. I supported his wish to be done with work, to golf as much as possible and to enjoy the rest of our years together. 

About a week into retirement I realized that I needed a routine and purpose each day. So, I joined the YMCA. I thought I'd walk the track and maybe get on an elliptical and stationary bike a couple of times a week. 

Instead, I started taking classe in Yoga, Chair Yoga, Water Strength and Aerobics, CardioSculpt, and Zumba Gold. I also took a Women and Weights class and learned a lot about using free weights and weight machines. I was certainly developing a routine and purpose each day.

A couple of months later I was asked if I’d be interested in getting certified to teach Silver Sneakers classes to active older adults.

There was an available Chair Yoga class once a week that needed an instructor. I agreed, received training and by August  I was teaching  not one but four Chair Yoga classes a week, along with a Water class.

That soon expanded to another Chair Yoga class, a Gentle Yoga class (via a further certification in Yoga) and a Tai Chi class. 
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Teaching 8 classes a week, plus subbing from time to time, keeps me busy and focused on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays I'm happy to relax or stay busy as the day unfolds. Go out to lunch or read a book. Volunteer at the library or visit an art museum. Maybe cook a gourmet meal in the middle of the week. 

Life right now feels pretty perfect. If I could I would press pause and stay right here in this so-called retirement for a very long time.