By Georgi Bohrod Gordon, RRP
As I embarked on my 80th journey around the sun, thoughts of retirement began to materialize. Now, halfway through my 81st orbit, I find myself reflecting on where the time has flown.
Recently, my friend, colleague, client, and mentor, Bob Kobek, graciously invited me to participate in the First Friday of the New Year. He playfully asked if I had grown bored yet. Not quite! I’ve engaged in a couple of exciting consulting projects with former clients and local cultural organizations. I must admit I’m still navigating through the “what does this chapter look like” stage, but I’m gradually cultivating a profound appreciation for the joy of the journey ahead.
My strategy has been to embrace spontaneity rather than over-plan my transition. After sharing a heartfelt retirement announcement on LinkedIn and discussing it with friends, family, colleagues, and clients, I decided to express my intentions openly. Some aspirations have blossomed, others are unfolding, while a few have sadly landed in the “what was I thinking?” category.
Initially, I envisioned a personal celebration. Traveling solo to Japan had always been a cherished dream, and I made it my reality. The trip encompassed my most whimsical travel fantasies: I flew Delta One, fulfilling my desire to recline luxuriously in my own compartment; I experienced the serenity of staying in a traditional Ryokan in Tokyo; I soaked in a rejuvenating Osen; and I immersed myself in the vibrant sights and sounds of the city. After a few unforgettable days, I boarded the Silver Dawn, a Silversea luxury ship, gracefully sailing from Japan to Hong Kong, and embraced my newfound status as “Queen.”
However, contracting COVID wasn’t part of my itinerary, but as the saying goes, life is what happens while you’re busy making plans. Throughout my travels and upon returning home, I excitedly penned an insightful account of my adventures. Alas, fate intervened as the entire blog vanished into the digital ether, eluding even the most skilled cyber forensics. For a time, I mourned the loss of my written reflections, but eventually, I accepted that the draft had vanished forever. This marked the true beginning of my “official retirement.”
To commemorate my new chapter, I made a series of heartfelt commitments. Some were simple, while others required time and many are still unfolding:
- Declutter Everything: From overflowing closets to cluttered computers.
- Repurpose My Home Office: Transforming my workspace, which had been my identity for nearly 25 years, into a welcoming guest room. Determining what to cherish, discard, or store remains a work in progress.
- Boost My Spanish Skills: Swapping Duolingo for Jumpspeak to become more proficient in Spanish, though I still find myself at a beginner level. Thank goodness for Google Translate, which proved invaluable in Japan and while conversing with my housekeeper. A diplomatic career in a Spanish-speaking country won’t be happening any time soon.
- Enhance Physical Fitness: I’ve incorporated regular yoga at a nearby studio into my existing regimen of Peloton, weights, and walking. Although I occasionally gaze longingly at inspiring social media fitness transformations (especially the 75-year-old women who turn heads), I remind myself that I’m 80 and am doing my best.
- Cook Mindfully: While I’ve ramped up my culinary efforts, I’m not quite addicted to a strictly healthy diet. “Balanced” would be a fitting description.
- Expand My Spiritual Community: Joining a synagogue has provided me with a comforting sense of belonging.
- Engage in Meaningful Volunteering: My husband often jokes that I never enjoyed serving mashed potatoes at “soup kitchens.” For many years, I volunteered as a Reader on PBS, but technology rendered that role obsolete. Studies show that children who cannot read by third grade have minimal chances of graduating high school, so I’ve chosen to volunteer with a local literacy organization, Read With Me. Twice a week, I visit Delle S. Lindley Elementary School to work with six-year-olds in need of extra reading support.
- Rediscover the Joy of Reading: I aimed to enhance my personal enjoyment of reading and revisiting that childhood bliss of curling up with a book under the covers has been profoundly satisfying.
- Spend More Time with Family: When coaches and congresspeople retire, they say they want to spend more time with their family. Me too. This new chapter is a gift allowing me to be with my grown daughter and two beautiful young adult granddaughters more frequently.
- Launch a Writing Project: This endeavor has lingered in the back of my mind. This piece is the first in a series aimed at creating a library of real-life snapshots of retirement. It will feature interviews with those contemplating retirement, those recently retired, and those reveling in a fulfilling retirement. I believe it will provide valuable insights to others navigating this exhilarating journey.
If you’re interested in discussing your retirement thoughts and experiences, please connect with me [email protected]
