I know I worked way too hard when I was in the actual work force. I had my own children’s theatre for ten years and was in charge of most of it. I had a few faithful parents who helped me tremendously, but many of the necessary jobs were my responsibility. I wrote the plays, I directed them, I made the costumes, I took care of scheduling, rehearsals and rearranging dates. Retirement didn’t look too bad by the time I turned 74. It’s hard to stop when you’re on a roll, but I knew the time had come and I welcomed it.

Things were quiet for about nine months. I enjoyed my newfound freedom, but boredom was setting in. The theatre bug was calling.

Things were quiet for about nine months.  I enjoyed my newfound freedom, but boredom was setting in.  The theatre bug was calling.  That was five years ago.  I’m now fully involved in a senior program which seems to be blossoming into something that could keep me busy for a long time.  The group created by myself and two other women will be going public in the next month.  The “Jewels of deNial” had our first live performance last month and will again perform in August.  Plans are being explored to take our show on the road and present to Senior health care centers and other senior audiences.  It’s in the form of a radio show, which most of our audiences can relate to.  We also have created the scripts ourselves, based on our own life experiences.

When people ask me how I like retirement, I tell them that I’m getting almost as busy as I was before I retired.  My body isn’t getting any younger, but I’m not dead yet and it isn’t really up to me to make that decision.  So every day is a blessing.  When you retire, remember that.  The fact that God has given us another day means that He still has something of value for us to contribute to others.  Being busy keeps your mind active and gives you purpose no matter what you do.