Phases of a Lifetime                          

     In the beginning….Please don’t tell me about the conception part (blah/blah/blah I can’t hear you) but that is where it all begins.  Infancy we only remember from the picture books and then the younger years.  Many memories of family, sisters, neighbors, easy-going fun and games.  Great teachers and classroom experiences.  Some of those friends, still friends today. Nothing to worry about.  Have no idea how things get paid for or where the necessities come from….life is good.

     Now we start to get serious and try out marriage one or two times.  Have a few kids and really experience the struggles and the joys.  Rent apartments.  Buy homes.  Move around.  Raise your children.  Hopefully experiencing joy and not too much worrying about the world and finances and relationships. 

     After the kids are on their own two feet we can devote more time to our self-development and our careers.  Hopefully, keeping things in a good balance for a joyful life. Seeking out new aspects of our life at this level is amazing.  Try anything…you only have yourself to disappoint or AMAZE.  With more discretionary money and time you can do things you only dreamed of while raising your family.  And if you are really lucky your career is also your passion.  We all have spent time in jobs that just got us down the road and paid the bills.  But when you find the job that also brings you joy and friends along the way, you know you are on the right path, finally!

     What’s next is some form of moving on and retiring.  For some it is cold turkey.  Job is over.  I’m retired.  Others slowly take one foot out of the work pool and dip it into the Golden Pond. While others are going to go down strapped to their desk. 

     Retirement should not be a death sentence, something to fear or a road you choose to avoid.  Make it the adventure YOU WANT.  Shed things that no longer work for you.  Try something you might want to try.  Find joy in everyday living.  We plan to live a life fuller than every chapter before this one.  Look out world…..here we come.

Pamela