The shy retiring type?

This post is about something I didn’t think I would even be considering for a long time. If you haven’t guessed, I have made the big decision to retire.

The decision to retire has been a big decision to make. There have been tears and doubts and fears all rolled up together on a tangled emotional mess. One of the biggest decisions of my life and I am so lucky to have a husband who hasn’t put any pressure either way. The important thing is that I am happy.

I have been able to draw out my KiwiSaver two years early on medical grounds with the help of my GP. The criteria summed up for a medical withdrawal is that it cannot be fixed by the following:

Operation, medication or rehabilitation. Of course none of this will fix Parkinson’s!

We have had some payouts thanks to our union and that had helped with the decision.

I told my boss yesterday and we had a few tears between us. But she is happy for me because this is the best decision for me. But that the decision is made I feel much more at peace and ready for the next phase of life.

What am I going to do with myself?

I am going to join a local club and play lawn bowls, something I always said I would get back to one day.

I am going to volunteer at 2-3 Op Shops in Kaiapoi.

I am going to go to tai chi at my local Parkinson’s Association. Plus other classes as they suit.

I am going to join the local e-bike group that goes for rides every Thursday with a coffee somewhere along the way.

Also not forgetting more time with those I love, my husband and all my family.

I am very much aiming for an active retirement.

So as I said to my boss, I will stroll happily and gracefully into retirement.

Retiring with my dignity intact and at a time of my choosing.

I can’t wait for this next exciting chapter to begin!

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