If you caught my latest musings in the newsletter, you know I’ve been doing a little happy dance about the whole idea of what could come after the traditional 9-to-5. And by “after,” I mean that next, glorious chapter of life that could feel less like a gentle fade into the sunset and way more like an exhilarating plot twist in the epic story of us.
For too long, the image of “retirement” has been… well, a little one-dimensional, hasn’t it? Gold watches gathering dust on nightstands, endless rounds of predictable pastimes. But let’s be real, the vibrant, dynamic women I know (including you!) are anything but one-dimensional. We’re a rich tapestry of experiences, passions, and a whole lot of life left to savor and explore.
As I navigate my late 50s, the traditional finish line of full-time work is starting to appear in the distant view. And while I’m not packing my bags just yet, I’m finding a real joy in simply allowing myself to consider the possibilities. The lure of a slightly more relaxed pace – maybe a few extra leisurely mornings with that perfect cup of coffee – definitely has its appeal, and the thought of what could be beyond the daily grind is genuinely exciting.
Sure, the allure of travel is undeniably there. While I might not be booking a round-the-world cruise on a whim (yet!), the romantic notion of hitching up an Airstream and exploring the breathtaking beauty of our national parks, setting our own schedule and soaking in the scenery? It’s definitely a delightful daydream. But if I’m being truly honest with myself, the deepest pull for me in this potential unfolding isn’t solely about exotic destinations or grand adventures, as enticing as those may be. It’s about something far more profound and deeply personal: the possibility of more time.
More specifically, the potential for more quality time with my amazing parents. Being able to be fully present, to share more meaningful moments, to simply be there without the constant tug of a demanding schedule – that’s a future I deeply value and am starting to envision. And it’s about the potential to be an even bigger cheerleader for my incredible daughters as they navigate their own exciting journeys, to witness their triumphs, offer unwavering support during their challenges, and simply be a more consistent presence in their lives. That’s where my heart truly considers singing.
Love Middle Life, this wonderful community we’ve built, is a testament to the fact that midlife is anything but a quiet decline. It’s a vibrant, dynamic phase filled with growth, discovery, and a whole lot of life. And this potential “unfolding” of what comes next is a natural and exciting extension of that energy. For me personally, it includes the idea of finally diving deeper into the sometimes-intimidating but always-fascinating world of day trading – it’s a future curiosity! It means imagining carving out more time to immerse myself in the restorative power of the great outdoors, to breathe in the fresh air, feel the sun on my skin, and reconnect with the grounding beauty of nature. And, of course, it means continuing to connect with this amazing community of yours, sharing our experiences, offering support, and learning from the incredible wisdom and experiences within these virtual walls. It’s also about considering dedicating more time and energy to those hobbies that bring me pure joy and allow me to recharge my batteries. This isn’t about retiring from life now; it’s about allowing myself to dream about dialing into the frequencies that resonate most deeply with my soul, amplifying the things that truly matter when the time comes.
So, as I stand here, on the exciting cusp of allowing myself to think about this personal “unfolding,” I’m filled with a sense of anticipation, a healthy dose of curiosity, and a genuine excitement for the possibilities that could lie ahead. The old, outdated script of what “retirement” should look like? It’s being gently nudged aside by the exciting unknown. This is our chance, our collective opportunity, to start dreaming up our own versions of what might be next, even if that “next” is still a ways down the road.
What about you? What does your potential unfolding look like? What are those whispers of possibility that are starting to get a little louder in your mind? What are you excited to consider exploring, creating, experiencing with a newfound sense of freedom and intention, whenever that time may arrive?
Let’s embrace this early stage of envisioning together. Let’s share our dreams, our (perfectly normal) anxieties, and our unbridled excitement for what could lie ahead. Because this isn’t the final act now, my friends. It’s simply a wonderful time to start imagining the possibilities for future intermissions and brand new, incredibly exciting scenes. And I, for one, am eager to hear what those dreams look like for you.
Now, I’d absolutely love to hear your thoughts! What’s one thing you’re particularly looking forward to allowing yourself to think about as you envision your own “unfolding” beyond the traditional work structure, even if it’s still in the future? Share your insights, your dreams, and your “what ifs” in the comments below – let’s inspire each other to create truly remarkable and uniquely our own potential next chapters!