Welcome!

FOR THE FIRST TIME – The Blog

AND

TALES OF A RETIRED REBEL
I started writing a blog in July 2008 when I realized it was only four months until I was going to retire from a 30-year-long career in education.  By then I’d already been thinking for some time of what it would be like to leave a career behind; really, what it would like to move into a new part of my life.  I had so many questions – mostly without answers – and so much anxiety.
What would I do every day?
Would it be lonely?
What could I expect emotionally?
Will life shrink?
What will my identity be?
Who will I be?
I spent the next three and a half years tracking my changes into this new time; this time of being able to do whatever I wanted FOR THE FIRST TIME. In January 2012 I published the book FOR THE FIRST TIME: ONE WOMAN’S JOURNEY FROM CAREER TO RETIREMENT – A Blogoir and Guide for Your Own Personal Adventure.   If you click on the Buy The Book tab you’ll be able to read a preview and order the book directly from me.  It will also be available on Amazon.com in June 2013.  I’ve also developed a number of workshops based on what I’ve learned; these are meant to help you explore your own transition and smooth your journey into retirement.  You can choose from the workshops that I’ve already developed or request “personalized” workshops.  Please check the WORKSHOP page for more information on how to participate in/organize workshops in your neighbourhood!
Even after a few years as a “retiree”,  I’m still discovering that there are many ongoing challenges to this new part of life.  I have moved on to a newer set of postings which I think of as TALES OF A RETIRED REBEL, and all of the postings I’ve written since January 2012 are available on this site.   You will still be able to access a few of the initial postings; if you want to read more they’re included in the book. I hope you’ll enjoy reading them and add your comments … sharing our thoughts lets us all learn from each other and know that we’re not alone in what we’re experiencing.

Much as I’d thought that there couldn’t be anything easier than retirement I was wrong; it’s been a difficult, stressful, confusing time that’s often left me feeling groundless. It’s also been a wonderful time of freedom and exploration.

I hope that you’ll continue exploring this landscape with me, and invite your friends to join us. Together we’ll forge some new understanding and find ways to share what we learn with others.

Pema Chodron says: Like all explorers we are drawn to discover what’s out there without knowing yet if we have the courage to face it.

Thanks for joining me on this part of life’s journey; it’s easier to find the courage to make my way with your company.