Re: How are you spending your retirement? Originally Posted by LCAY RN 
Thanks - As you know we spend so much time helping others we forget who we are. I forgot that person. My work is my life. The concept of finding me again is very strange and fearful. Will I have enough money, what can I do to still be of value- all of this runs in my thoughts. Family do not totally understand. You are right and thanks for your comments and time.
Finding ourselves again and re-learning how to care for
us as opposed to always giving to others, is exciting as well as scary. On reflection, I think I'm only really "settled" into retirement now after 7 years.
I was a young retiree, and in many ways perhaps too young. There have been times whereby I've gotten bored and felt as though I was a bit like a ship without it's rudder. At those times I would think of new ways to keep interested and involved and active.
I turn 59 in 6 weeks time, and I'm eternally grateful that I'm no longer doing the "hard yards" at the coalface of nursing.
Regarding your comment; "what can I do to still be of value" ... you already are of value! Whether or not you decide to do volunteer work or any other activity which might make you feel "of value", please know that even if you sat at home twiddling your thumbs, you are valuable.
I hold the belief that we don't need to wait until we get to heaven to be entitled to rest.
Part of being retired is having the ability to make choices about what we do without having to justify ourselves to our employer. WE are the boss now!
Once we get used to and comfortable with that concept, it's a great feeling!
Enjoy your retirement, you've earnt it!
Best Wishes to you!
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