The end of my Camino, and a new beginning
Living the retirement dream
Cycling in New Zealand
Where will this trail lead?
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Packs ready, more travel ahead
A simple travel
Walking in Australia
Beauty in the rain
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When we were beginning to think seriously about what we wanted our retirement to look like, my partner and I thought about the various things that we were hoping for; good health, a strong network of friends/sense of community, ongoing growth and development, a sense of purpose/contribution to society, embracing our authentic selves, and of course the freedom to travel. We saw it as a significant transition, and one that required conscious attention. As a way of further exploring these goals, we decided to walk the Camino Frances in Spain. The physical preparation.and the act of walking for up to 30 kms a day over 32 days allowed us the opportunity to focus and learn more about our physical fitness. We knew that the Camino pilgrimage would likely open the door to a new community. We took Spanish lessons, and researched the walk through various websites, and informational events. We investigated the type of clothing and equipment we would require, and carefully selected our gear. We learned about the history of the walk and prepared ourselves for the emotional and spiritual elements of the Camino pilgrimage. And we made a decision; for the duration of the pilgrimage, we would not talk about our work at all, not even to tell people what we did for a living. At different points on the pilgrimage, my partner and I each made different decisions on when we would retire and how we wanted to spend our most valuable resource - time - post retirement. Prior to the Camino we had thought we would retire at the same time. While we were walking, however, my husband decided to retire almost immediately after our return, while I decided I needed more time to leave a job I loved in the way I wanted to leave it. Our discussions and experiences while on the Camino laid the groundwork for the retirement lifestyle we are enjoying today. It opened the door to discussions we needed to have together and apart, and it helped each of us to see what was most important for us, both individually and together. My partner launched his retirement by walking another longer pilgrimage route. I focused my attentions on "leaving well"; transferring the knowledge I had acquired over my career to my colleagues, and trying to ensure the programs that were closest to my heart would have a life after I left. I launched my retirement nine months later with a three month trip to New Zealand, Australia and Bali, visiting friends we had met on the Camino and exploring these countries with multi-day biking and hiking adventures. We both recognize, especially now in hindsight, the importance of dedicating time and energy to this transition into this next exciting and scary stage in our lives. - Annemarie
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As I was preparing to retire, I was offered a range of resources by my employer - all of them geared toward the financial considerations related to retirement planning. When I looked around at those who retired before me, some were very happy while others were struggling. Some got ill, some were bored, and some made those "freedom 55" ads a reality. What struck me, as I paid more and more attention to my own retirement, is that there is an over emphasis on the financial element of retirement and an almost complete lack of attention to all the other elements; intellectual stimulation, ongoing social outlets, attending to a sense of purpose, and for those whose work is their passion, finding other ways to feed one's spirit. I noticed that many did not leave happily or willingly - they were pushed out - and these people were more inclined to struggle with their new reality. At the same time, these people often received the least support through their transition. Many of my friends have now retired, and our stories of what this transition looks like for each of us varies significantly. I can say with confidence, though, that while the financial underpinnings are important for each of us, invariably it is the other elements of retirement that have posed the most exciting opportunities and the biggest challenges along the way. From personal experience, and through some of the research I've done as I've investigated this further, I've learned that the risks, in not addressing the "softer" sides of retirement are to health, relationships, and self esteem. I feel blessed every day in the lifestyle I am currently enjoying, and I feel strongly that I need to do my part in helping others to find the same joy. - Annemarie
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