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I have just retired (Jan. 31, 2005) although I have many irons in the fire and know pretty much what I want and plan to do. I have so many people telling me real horror retiree stories. Is there anyone out there who is retired and happy <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Just curious.

Sure is Vannie. My husband and I, my sister and her hubby, my brother and his dear wife....we may be retired from watching the clock, being a cog in a wheel and having our days dictated by the boss BUT all we have "retired from" are.... the ties of "having to conform" because of a rigid work ethic ...and can now come and go as we please...whatever time we choose...whatever day we choose...doing activities of our choosing ! YEAH ! Retirement is stepping out and LIVING ! New places to go...new people to meet...new hobbies to try !

I truly hope you will ignore the "horror stories" and make the most of every day of the rest of your life !

We have taken up cycling, photography, painting , long walks, browsing the markets and antique shops, taking time to stop and talk to folk in the street or supermarket, spend a couple of hours in a Library and just enjoying the freedom of retiremnet !
Being retired doesn't mean you stop living - it just means your time is your own at last to do all those things you "didn't have time for " before.

Make the most of it....you have earned it !

Kind regards .

Thanks so much for answering. You have given me hope. It sounds as if you all are having a wonderful time. Since retiring I have joined an excersice class at the YWCA, rejoined my local library and the museum. AND, I have been to the movie theatre twice!! I know that does not sound like a lot, but for me it is pure heaven.

Thank you-I will continue to ignore the naysayers and continue "enjoying the freedom of retirement."

Many blessings,

V~

I retired last year and am happier than I have been in years. I have time to do what I want (gardening, seeing my grandchildren, playing bridge) and I don't have to do any of the things that I don't want to do. I don't know how I ever had time to work!!

It is a wonderful time to rethink who you are. It took me about 4 months to "reinvent" my self image--from my work persona--to something more like the real me. Instead of a corporate image I could become someone I wanted to be. I could wear big earrings again!!

Think about what you like--or would like to try--and give it a try...I started growing orchids and love it!!

You might want to take a look at the people who came up with the horror stories--were they the same ones who complained while they were working? Are they people who wouldn't be happy no matter what they're doing?

Great reply , Susan !

Fortunately the "REAL YOU" never gets old just wiser ! It is such a good time to rediscover yourself, as you have said and make the most of every day. I think , in this day and age, we retirees have lived and do live in the best of times ! They call these our "Golden Years" for a reason and it is up to each individual how they enjoy them !

May both you and Vannie continue to enjoy many happy years and Happy Easter to you all and your families.

I'm off now to prepare for a family invasion and look forward to hearing all their noise and excitement....life is indeed WONDERFUL !!

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Susan, I have to laugh when you say "I don't how I ever had time to work" I was really starting to feel that way. In the last few years my horizons have expanded and I have been getting up very early in the mornings so I could do my 'online stuff' I was beginning to resent that I had to stop at 7:30 am to get ready for work <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />.

I think you may right about the folks who said I would not be happy.

Ellar, Susan,

I really do appreciate your generous sharing. You don't know how much I needed to hear something positive.

Enjoy your holiday

And hugs to you both.

I retired the first of the year and I am really enjoying myself. I am into all kinds of things that I never had time for while I was working. I get up at 5 a.m. do my morning yoga (which I love) take a long walk or bicycle around the country roads out here. I am cooking more, and can't wait to get my gardens going. I have plenty of time to spend with my dogs (I have four) and belong to several internet forums. I am involved in animal rights and a Lab rescue group and volunteer at the local shelter, I have never felt better, stronger or so young at heart. Age is in your mind and my mind is too full of fun things to worry about getting older. This is the life!!!!

Linnie,

I am also an early riser, usually around 5:30 or so. For me the best part of my retirement so far is the feeling I get when it hits me that I don't have to stop what I am doing and head for work. What a rush.

Like you, I also am a volunteer with several organizations. I love spending day-time hours with 'my senior'. I work with a senior citizens advocacy group and my senior friend is 93 years young! It is a pleasure calling her to see if she wants company, she always does. And I have just received a flyer from the local museum, I plan to take a few art courses. You are absolutely correct. This is the life!!!

It is wonderful to meet people who are really enjoying <img src="/images/graemlins/heart.gif" alt="" /> their retirement.

I know you are not a new retiree now but bet you are enjoying life a lot better doing your own thing and all your plans for retirement have or are becoming a reality.

I have been retired 10 years and love every day of it. Nice being your own boss.