Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Year One
As I approach the one-year mark of my retirement journey, I find myself reflecting on the surprises and revelations that have shaped this transition. To my surprise, despite my early concerns, I haven’t once longed for the work routine. I do miss the camaraderie of colleagues, but the absence of daily tasks hasn’t left a void in my life.
It’s a curious feeling that makes me reflect on the meaning of those 35 years of dedication, but whenever doubts arise, my excitement for what lies ahead quickly outweighs them.
Plan to not have a plan
From the start, my plan was to spend the first six months of retirement without making any concrete plans for the future. Looking back, that decision was a resounding success. During that time, I cultivated new habits, prioritizing my health by adding more fresh produce to my diet and cutting back on processed foods. The scale may not show a dramatic change, but the boost in energy and overall well-being speaks for itself.
One of the great joys of retirement is the freedom to let each day unfold naturally. Mornings now move at a leisurely pace, except on days with early tee times—a newfound pastime that often draws me from the comfort of home before sunrise. I’ve grown to relish this routine. There’s no guilt in it; a round of golf is always a good day, whatever aches my body may have.
Consuming to Produce?
Retirement has also led me to rethink what productivity means. In the midst of the temptation to simply enjoy the fruits of my labor, I’ve adopted a guiding question: “Am I producing to consume, or consuming to produce?” That mindset nudges me to invest my time and energy in pursuits that contribute meaningfully to the world around me rather than passively letting the days slip by. A few ideas are beginning to surface, and this year I’m determined to tease them out.
Bucket List?
Unlike some retirees who embrace their new freedom with a carefully crafted bucket list, I’ve always preferred to let life unfold more organically. Travel has long been my passion—not for the sake of checking off landmarks, but for the rich tapestry of experiences and connections to the incredible world God has created (click to view some of the amazing places I’ve been blessed to visit). Whether it’s immersing myself in local traditions by spending November 5th in Ottery St. Mary or cheering on the Colts in Germany, each adventure leaves an indelible mark on my soul.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to pursue new adventures, this time with a bit more planning than before. A trip to Scotland and London is already in the works, complete with a carefully outlined itinerary that has raised a few eyebrows—and perhaps a protest or two—from Katy. Still, I’ve learned that a well-planned excursion can be every bit as spontaneous and exhilarating as any off-the-cuff adventure. Feel free to follow along in April as I plan to “blog” the trip. You can follow @FishersVinoVibes on Instagram. I’m still not entirely sure I’m using Instagram correctly, so I’m always open to feedback. How’s that for some work lingo?
Regrets?
If there’s one thing I wish I’d done more of this past year, it’s visiting Indiana wineries. I made it into the double digits, but I could have pushed myself to go further. That shortfall comes down to two things, and one might surprise you.
First, so many rounds of golf left me with little time or energy for winery day trips. Second—and more significantly—thanks to COVID, or whatever you prefer to call it, I’ve grown very comfortable on my patio and within my self-imposed “five-mile radius” of home. Katy’s fantastic cooking doesn’t hurt, and I’m confident my wine selection rivals that of many places.
Still, with a little encouragement from Bill and Charisse, we’ve started exploring beyond the invisible fence of our five-mile “compound.” Katy and I even made it to Speedway to enjoy some excellent wines at the Foyt Wine Vault. It’s funny: I absolutely love to travel and meet new people, yet I still sometimes struggle to get off my patio.
Thankful
As I look back on this first year of retirement, I’m filled with gratitude—for the experiences shared, the lessons learned, and the space to grow. The future will no doubt bring its share of uncertainties, but one thing is clear: I’m ready to embrace whatever adventures come next, whether on the fairways of a golf course or the cobblestone streets of a distant city. If you’re ever in the neighborhood, the patio lights are always on—consider this an open invitation to join us in celebrating this journey called life.
If you have any questions or thoughts, I’m always happy to talk. After all, life is best enjoyed in good company.
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