Tag: starting over after 50

Next Steps

I have been living in Montana for about six weeks now. Definitely no regrets so far, even with Glacier National Park burning up and bringing smoke down the valley. I am hoping this doesn’t become an annual event, though.

Last Monday, I had a moment where I felt like my new place was set up well enough to call home. I could finally stop thinking about what needed to be done next, and just sit back and savor what I have accomplished. That is really one of the best feelings in the world, isn’t it? Having a place to call home. I’m also making new friends and enjoying an active social life. I love my surroundings, and already feel healthier. I have to say things are going better than expected.

So what’s next? Well, I’m too young and not-quite wealthy enough to fully retire. I did leave behind a twenty-seven-year teaching career when I packed up the boxes in June, but I had fully intended to at least work part-time here. I tend to lean in the Type A direction and prefer to be occupied. My primary goal in finding employment was to avoid working a traditional forty-hour week. But what would I do to become self-employed? This is a difficult mental hurdle to overcome for a person who has consistently worked for someone else since the age of fifteen. I knew that a little more time and research would bring some answers.

I’ve decided to give it a go with my own proofreading and editing business. (I know; you were expecting something more exciting.) Why not? Everyone seems to be making a buck out there on the internet. Don’t worry. I have been taking proper steps by planning this all out. I’m even completing an online class to learn the tools of the trade.  (Humility is an important trait when taking on a new venture.) I expect to launch in about three weeks.

A year ago, I would never have taken risks like this: Packing up and moving to a new state, starting my own business…It’s funny that what I once thought would be too scary to even consider, now feels exciting and empowering. I honestly don’t fear failure. If it doesn’t work out, I will move on to something different.

 

 

New Neighbors and Night Skies

A couple of weeks ago my new neighbor shared her excitement for the upcoming Perseid meteor showers, which would be at their peak this past weekend. She invited me to meet up in their backyard on Sunday for some late night viewing. This included an agreement that we’d all take afternoon naps to be able to stay up as late as possible.

After scaring the heck out of them with my 10:45 knock at the back door, we got arranged in their cushy patio chairs to see the night-sky action. Having lived in a rather populated area for most of my adult life, star-gazing was an infrequent event, mostly enjoyed when we were out on our boat. It was, however, a big part of my childhood. Talk about simple pleasures. This was one of the many things I was searching for in making this move. The night sky didn’t disappoint. We saw quite a few meteors and managed to stay up until almost 1:00 AM.

The unexpected joy of the evening was the opportunity to get acquainted with my new neighbor.  She and I stayed out together after her husband had grown tired and turned in for the night. We all have our stories, and what could be a better setting to share them? Feeling grateful this morning for our night-sky bonding.

Inspiration on the Water

Sadly, my kayaking plans for this evening were canceled due to potentially stormy weather on Flathead Lake. It’s a bit of a letdown because I was very much looking forward to my first group paddle under the full moon.

However, I now get to tell about my experience on the lake last Friday. So let’s back up a week.

A new acquaintance had asked me to kayak for an open swim race. I didn’t really know what I was getting into, but of course, I said yes. It would be an opportunity to meet some new people and get out on the lake for the first time. And who wouldn’t want to be out on the water on a hot and sunny July afternoon?  I was a bit nervous though, about both finding the location and my potentially precariously-loaded kayak. Was it tied down well enough to stay put at highway speeds?

Just when I was sure I had passed the park without seeing it, (Yikes—No data!) I rounded a corner, and there it was.  The kayak was still attached, and I had arrived on time. Relief.

After we kayakers received our instructions, I volunteered to be the sweeper. That meant I would follow the swimmer in last place to ensure his/her safety. Honestly, I took the sweeper position because I had no idea how fast the swimmers would be. Maybe I wouldn’t be able to keep up with those in the lead.

It took me a few minutes to realize why my swimmer was in last place. She was paraplegic. Think about it. She was swimming an entire mile in unpredictable open water, solely with her arms!  A determined optimist, she occasionally paused, checking in with me and smiling every time.  I did what I could to encourage her and guide her without overdoing it. At times, it seemed like she wasn’t making progress due to the winds and the currents, but that apparently didn’t matter to her.  I soon concluded that she would finish at her own pace. Giving up was not an option.

Grateful and inspired are not strong enough words to describe how I felt about this experience. My swimmer thanked me at the end of the race and said she couldn’t have done it without me.  I can’t adequately convey the gift she gave to me.  My maiden kayak voyage on Flathead Lake was certainly memorable. Lucky me.

 

 

The Journey Begins

I’ve been saying that I want to write for quite some time. So here I am! Actually, I have only lived “here” for eight days. I’ve packed up and moved to the beautiful state of Montana. Not a second home, but my new home.

I started making plans for this move about a year ago. I was four years out of a divorce, had been teaching for over twenty-five years, and really, really needed to make a change. First, I made lists. What do I really want? How can I truly find contentment? Then, I did quite a bit of reading. Finally, I did some in-person investigating. I visited the places at the top of my list, and then met with real estate agents. I wasn’t messing around or just talking about it; I was doing it.

Besides the divorce, I was at that turning point known as the empty nest. Fortunately, my kids turned out alright and had begun supporting themselves. This is what really opened the door for a big change. (Yes, I do consider myself quite fortunate.) Additionally, I hadn’t been particularly successful in the dating game and was unattached. Many people had told me I was picky. Darn right! Why would I compromise and agree to spend the rest of my life with someone unless he was going to make my life better, and I could do the same for him?  Essentially, there was nothing left to hold me in place.

And that brings me to the purpose of my blog. I just want to share and express myself. I do have some strong opinions, but I’m not out here to create controversy. I’ve had enough of that. I just want to write, and see what happens. I do hope to entertain and hopefully make you laugh, as well as provoke some thoughts.

cloudy sky