It has been close to 6 months since I started practicing being 80 and almost three months since I wrote Episode 1. A lot has changed, most of it good…
I submitted my resignation as Executive Director of the nonprofit I started 50 years ago – – effective Nov. 3, 2025.
My oldest grandson turned 21 and I went to his birthday party. He is surrounded by talented bakers!
I’ve walked around my town or into the countryside even though it’s often dark and rainy. I’m counting my steps and competing with myself to equal or surpass the number each day. Not by much, just a little.
I had a relaxed visit with my first born and his family in Washington state. Playing cards was a favorite occupation of my grandparents.
Most importantly, I’ve stopped filling my calendar with more appointments and tasks than I can manage in each day.
Sometimes people ask me what I’m going to do with myself now that I’m retiring. It seems like a funny question since I’ve had the privilege of doing whatever work I chose for most of my life. The difference is that I’m not going to push myself any more. I can stop trying to prove I’m worthy of the advantages I was born with.
The results are blooming already. I’m sleeping better and am less depressed. Perhaps I’m accomplishing less but I’m still feeling better about it.
Next time I’ll tell you more about the things I am doing. They’re not all wonderful. Certainly I will continue to think, write, and talk to people around the world about learning and education. I’m also darning that pile of old socks full of holes and learning to make bread in a dutch oven.
All these things require practice.