The ABCs of Retirement

The ABCs of Retirement: From Acceptance to Zest

Retirement isn't a one-note story. Some days feel wide open. Others feel a little too quiet. Here's an A-to-Z guide to help you embrace it all — with extra sass, honesty, and just enough wisdom to keep it real.

A is for Accepting that some days you'll feel purposeful and accomplished, other days you'll reorganize the junk drawer. Both count as productivity.

B is for Balance (and Binge-watching). Your schedule doesn't need to be packed to prove you're "living fully." Netflix doesn't judge your 3 PM viewing choices.

C is for Connection. You might miss coworkers more than you miss the actual work. Who knew you'd get nostalgic about Diane's daily bagel commentary?

D is for Delight in simple things. A perfectly ripe peach. Finding a parking spot right up front. Your grocery store playing your high school anthem.

E is for Energy management. Retirement isn't endless free time — it's choosing what deserves your spark. Spoiler: arguing with strangers online doesn't make the list.

F is for Freedom to wear the same comfy pants three days in a row. Nobody's watching. Nobody cares. This is liberation.

G is for Goals that actually matter to you now. They don't need to be "climb Everest." Could be "master sourdough" or "beat my neighbor at bocce ball."

H is for Health checkups you can't postpone anymore. Also for admitting that cake for breakfast hits different when you're the only one making the rules.

I is for Intention with your mornings. Ask yourself: "What do I want today to feel like?" Then honor that answer, even if it's "like a lazy Sunday."

J is for Joy in small pleasures. Staying in pajamas until noon. Reading a book in one sitting. Buying flowers for yourself just because they’re pretty. You've earned these tiny indulgences.

K is for Kindness to yourself during the weird adjustment phase. Some people leap into retirement like it's a pool party. Others circle the edge asking "Now what?" Both approaches are perfectly fine.

L is for Learning new things just because you’re curious. YouTube University is always accepting students, and nobody's grading your macramé attempts.

M is for Movement that doesn't feel like punishment. Dancing while you cook. Chasing grandkids around the yard. Walking aimlessly through the hardware store for an hour.

N is for Naps. They're not lazy — they're strategic power-ups. You've graduated from "I'm too busy to nap" to "I'm too wise not to nap."

O is for Opening your mind to surprises. Maybe you'll love pottery. Maybe you'll hate pickleball. Maybe you'll discover you're actually a morning person (stranger things have happened).

P is for Purpose that doesn't require a paycheck. Your worth isn't measured in quarterly reports anymore. It might be measured in perfect tomatoes or well-timed dad jokes.

Q is for Quiet moments that used to make you antsy but now feel like gifts. Sometimes the best conversations are with yourself.

R is for Resilience you've been building your whole life. Plans change, bodies change, circumstances change. You're basically a professional adapter by now.

S is for Sleep without an alarm clock screaming at you. This might be the actual definition of luxury.

T is for Time — you finally have enough of it to read the entire menu, compare prices properly, and take the scenic route just because it's prettier.

U is for Unlearning the hustle mentality. Productivity doesn't have to be profitable. Sometimes the most important thing you do all day is sit on the porch and watch clouds.

V is for Volunteering or Very Much Not Volunteering. Both are valid choices. Nobody can guilt you into the church bake sale anymore unless you actually want to bake.

W is for Wondering what day it is — and smiling when you realize it doesn't matter. Every day holds possibilities.

X is for eXperimenting with who you want to be in this chapter. The person who takes painting classes? The one who finally learns Spanish? The neighborhood plant whisperer? All valid options.

Y is for Yes to invitations that spark curiosity and "No" to obligations that drain your soul. Your social calendar is finally your own.

Z is for Zest — that secret ingredient that makes everything better. Bring it to your garden, your conversations, your Tuesday afternoon adventures. It's contagious.

Retirement isn't just about having more time. It’s about having the freedom to “waste” time beautifully, spend it intentionally, and finally live by your own rhythm. May your alphabet be full of surprises, personal freedoms, and the occasional perfectly timed nap.