My sister is retiring this year. She's 62. I think the word retire is all wrong for her, and many others who look and act like the 50 year olds of our parent's generation.
I've been thinking of another word that will better describe this phase of her life. She's leaving the 8 to 5 world behind and considering dipping her toe into the 24/7 world of real estate (again) or some other entrepreneurial venture. She may become a world adventurer, or an expert advocate for Medicare recipients. In other words, she's not accepting the gold watch and walking off into the sunset at Leisure World. She's gearing up for the next phase of Linda's life. She has choices. She is clay in her own hands.
It's reinvention time. She is a member of the brave new world order of Women On a Mission. After a mini retirement of a few weeks or months at most, another career is embarked upon, another passion is pursued and life purpose is realigned. I see it happening more and more, especially with older single women. They are not through with living just yet. They have contributions to make and a legacy to leave. And, finally, there is time for them to indulge in the postponed dreams and passions they kept tucked away in the far corners of their soul.
With our family history of grandmothers who lived into their nineties and a mother who passed just shy of 86, my sister can expect to live another 25 years. That's a long time to sit around and wait to die! There is still time to learn, earn, accomplish goals, master new skills and fulfill unforgotten dreams.
This is an exciting time in the life of a woman. Yes, there are many years behind her, and if she's lucky youth recalled brings a smile to her lips and a flutter to her heart, but she has no desire to go back and do it all over again. The light of the her future is much too bright.
Lead the way Linda. I'm right behind you.
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