Embracing retirement: Finding balance and growth

Three months into retirement, and so far, so good. One of the things that made the transition smoother for me was gradually scaling back my work commitments over the last two years. It allowed retirement to feel more like a natural progression rather than an abrupt end.

Retirement had been on my mind for quite some time, even before my health diagnosis and the loss of my wife. A friend once told me that you’ll know it’s time to retire when “You have enough, and you’ve had enough.” For me, I still enjoyed the work and was good at it, but I wanted to leave on my own terms, in my own time. I didn’t want to end up like Willie Mays, one of baseball’s greatest players, who stayed on the field two years too long. “Poor Willie,” people said. “He just can’t hit the fastball or run anymore.” I wanted to go out while I was still at the top of my game.

Once the decision was made, I turned my focus to how I would fill my time. Some things were easy to figure out: staying active with regular exercise, helping with baby Hart, and continuing to write my blog. But other pursuits took longer to clarify. What volunteer work should I explore? How could I use my experience as a facilitator, speaker, and writer to contribute to a cause I believe in?

As I embraced new activities, I also realized how important it was to find the right balance—something that was often hard to achieve while juggling career and family life. I need to find that sweet spot between boredom and overwhelm, between setting boundaries and pushing my comfort zones. Parkinson’s brings its own set of challenges, particularly fatigue, which I need to acknowledge while staying active enough to minimize its impact on my life.

For me, the true test is whether an activity leaves me feeling empowered and energized, or drained and exhausted. If it’s draining, it’s time to reconsider whether it’s worth it. But if the feeling is more about discomfort, I might need to reframe it as an opportunity for personal growth rather than something to shy away from, while also taking on challenges that align with my values and goals, not because I feel pressured by others.

In this new chapter of my life, I’m committed to embracing each opportunity with intention and curiosity, seeking growth rather than comfort. I’ll take on challenges that stretch me, stay true to what matters most, and continually check in with myself to ensure I’m living in alignment with my values. Retirement isn’t just about taking time to smell the roses; it’s about evolving—pushing past old limits, discovering new passions, and living fully in the present. I’m ready to see where this journey takes me, knowing that every step is a chance to learn, grow, and redefine what it means to thrive in retirement.

Love you all