It was exactly 3 months ago when I walked out of work for the last time, a day I’ll always remember for the best of reasons. With this in mind, it is right to reflect on my first 3 months of retirement.
We had decided not to be radical (although for me being more radical is very tempting); no Harley Davidsons, no world cruises, not even selling the house and buying a huge camper van or a narrowboat. Instead a 3 month honeymoon period of finding my feet in this new phase of life. Now the 3 months are up, I’m getting involved in a few things, all part of the cunning plan of getting the right balance. More to come on that.
For now here’s a few observations, notes on things we have done.
- Happiness. First of all, the last 3 months have been much happier than I expected. The happiness equates to the first 3 months of being married, it really is so good!
- Socilising. We have socialised much more than normal. We like doing this as we have some great friends. One of my goals is to be a better friend.
- Money. We have kept our spending on track, no significant changes to the normal budget forecast. We have actually saved a little money through simple things – switching over to a metered water supply is saving us over £200 a year, telling my car insurance provider that I’m retired has reduced the cost by £70 a year. We are currently living off cash savings, final arrangements of moving pension money around is outstanding and not to be rushed (some due diligence taking place right now). I’m a little nervous about the implications of Brexit on the economy, although I think we’ll be okay in the long run.
- Caring. We have spent a lot of time with Rachel’s Mum in generally caring for her and helping with her garden and house maintenance.
- Serving others. I have become a volunteer with the local Christians Against Poverty group, joined an art group, even got onto the hosting rota in our church’s coffee shop. I have been invited to attend a board meeting of a local charity and there are one or two other possibilities in the melting pot.
- Health. My health is something which has preoccupied me a bit. Hopefully I am getting closer to my prostate operation and happily the cancer scare was no more than a temporary diversion. My kidneys have settled down now and I have the best reason to stay fit and healthy. Never have I valued my good health as much as I do now.
- Fitness. Cycling remains off-limits for now. In meantime I have started running more. A combination of increased motivation, a better catheter and my running mojo returning. I am really feeling the benefits of running more, something I always wanted to do.
- Blogging. Needless to say I haven’t blogged as much as I could have done. On a positive note, I love it when folk get in touch through the contact page and this has happened a few times.
Overall I remain so thankful for my opportunity to retire early. I am incredibly optimistic about the future and it’s only just begun!!!!!
Here’s a few random photos:
