Ten questions:
1. What's been bringing you joy lately? I've been having fun with my students lately. That makes me so happy. I definitely want to retire on a high note.
2. What's a small thing you've appreciated recently that you might not have noticed before? I have been so grateful to be able to drive! Since last fall when my broken foot kept me from being independent, I've cherished my ability to do what I want when I want.
3. What's a creative outlet you've been exploring, or would like to explore? my new therapist assigned me to read "The Self-Care Prescription" by Robyn Gobin and since it came in the mail today, I'm exploring it and the accompanying journal.
4. What's a moment of quiet reflection you've had recently, and what did you take away from it? I took a few minutes out of my planning period to complete a guided meditation and it helped me focus, and I was mellow instead of wishing I was home
5. What's a simple pleasure you've been enjoying? listening to audiobooks
6. What's a thought or idea that's been lingering in your mind? last week, my therapist suggested that I am grieving my vision, and it lingered in my mind.
7. Is there anything you've been wanting to share, however small? I am taking steps to prepare for retirement in two years. That will be a thirty-year teaching career.
8. What's a learning experience you've had recently, even if it wasn't a formal one? as a teacher I am constantly learning something--from technology to gossip!
9. What's something that made you smile today, or this week? my history students were asking me about my childhood experiences for historical reference and I didn't feel old. They were engaged and interested.
10. How are you feeling, really? overwhelmed
1 comment:
Here's my advice from the other side of the Rubicon: Talk to advisers! I found I was infantilized working for major corporations and when I was faced with post-retirement decisions, I, too felt overwhelmed. Choose my own insurance? Invest my own money? I never had to do that before, I just checked boxes at open enrollment. I found an independent broker who helped with Medicare and recently sat down with a financial advisor and I feel so much better. I bet through your union you have resources available and I hope you use them. I felt silly, even pretentious, when I sat down with a "wealth manager" because I'm not a wealthy woman, but I feel so much better about life after I did. No one is good at everything, and no one expects you to be a good teacher (see your #1 and #9) AND a financial expert.
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