Retire, Redecorate, Repurpose, Rejoice
My journey of retiring three times
Retirement.
The golden word, the promised land, the ultimate goal for so many of us.
I envisioned relaxed mornings, endless hobbies, and a life free from the daily grind. But my path to that idyllic vision wasn't exactly a straight line.
In fact, it took me three attempts to truly retire – and each attempt taught me something invaluable. We all need a constant companion, a comforter and friend. That's when I was reminded I had that person in the Holy Spirit, who guides and directs my life daily, in my every day living.
Favorite Things
Retire #1
The Honeymoon Phase
(Giving retirement a whirl!)
My first retirement came after more than 30 years in the education world. I was ready! I pictured myself reading and exercising every day, traveling the world, and finally tackling that endless list of home improvement projects. And for the first few months, it was bliss. I rejoiced in the freedom, the lack of schedule, and the ability to do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted.
But the novelty soon wore off.
I missed teaching and my students, decorating my classroom, planning lessons and events, and the home projects… well, they just kept growing. I missed the structure, the challenges, and the sense of purpose that work had provided. I realized I needed something more than just leisure.
Redecorating my Life (or trying to!) as a part time activity director
So, I went back. Not to teaching, but as a part-time activity director, at an assisted living in my new town. It was stimulating, rewarding, and kept me engaged. I was repurposing my skills and experience, sharing them with a different generation. It felt good.
However, my family needed me for various different reasons and I wanted to be there more "full time" for them, (especially my elderly mom). After two years, I retired again. Time for attempt number two!
Retire #2
The Care Giving Phase
I spent retirement attempt number two caregiving for family, and I loved the opportunity. What a privilege! I spent much time caring for my precious elderly mom, my hubby needed a surgery or two, my grandchildren were growing up too fast and I took care of everyone to the best of my ability. I focused on creating a space that was both beautiful and functional in my home so that I could dive headfirst into my creative passions: colored pencil sketch, writing, and taking classes online for counseling.
This time, I filled my days with activities I genuinely enjoyed. I volunteered at church, led a Bible Study, and was free to travel. I was busy, but it was a different kind of busy – a fulfilling, joyful busy.
Redecorate again! (Still Searching)
A need to repurpose.
While I loved my creative pursuits, I found myself needing to pause, pray, and pivot, once more. The pandemic hit hard, and after the worst of it ended, I ended up returning to the teaching job I had left before the pandemic. It was a great experience, but so much of our world had changed post-pandemic. I wanted to help my school and its families assimilate into a new and different school year.
It was a "new" different, one that the whole world had to adjust to. Families changed, relationships changed, and trust had to be learned once again. I remember clinging to the verse, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path" Proverbs 3:5-6. Each day is new, and with it are new challenges and opportunities to fill the world with God's love.
Everything was very different in many ways.
Retire #3
The Charm
I retired from teaching for a final time. Later that year, I was asked to lead a community group at our church, and plan their events. That has been my sweet spot. I love the change and the new friendships made. I love serving the Lord in that way. I have found my calling.
For a season I volunteered at the school I retired from, helping plan their faculty parties, and assisted the teachers with their copies, etc.. I loved being involved in that way too.
Now, my days are filled with purpose and passion. I'm doing art and writing, leading and planning events for my church, volunteering in my neighborhood, traveling in the winters, and using my skills to make a difference in the world. I'm repurposing my creativity to engage in the life of a new generation, and finally, truly rejoicing in my retirement. As always, I continue to spend time with or connect with my loved ones, wherever they may be. It took a few tries to retire once and for all, but I finally found the perfect blend of leisure, engagement, and meaning.
The key to a successful retirement, I've learned, is not just about stopping work. It's about finding new ways to contribute, volunteer, to learn, to grow, and to connect with others. It's about redefining what retirement means to you, and being open to unexpected possibilities. If at first, you don't succeed...retire, retire again!
Lessons Learned
Embrace Experimentation
Don't be afraid to try new things and see what sticks. Retirement is a time for exploration. Sense the leading of the Holy Spirit. You are never alone.
Stay Connected
Treat others the way you like to be treated. Listen with an open heart. Everyone has a story, and everyone has a desire to be heard.
Find Your Purpose
Finding your purpose takes time. Redecorate your life first. Be patient with yourself as you explore. Your purpose may surprise you, but you will know when you have found it, and you will rejoice!
Be Flexible
Know that trials and tribulation will come in your life, but take heart. God has overcome the world. He will bring you peace as you cling to his promises.
My three attempts at retirement taught me that the perfect retirement isn't about endless leisure for yourself, but about finding purpose, passion, connection, and giving back to others. It's about rejoicing because you've found your sweet spot, redecorated your life with new experiences and hobbies, repurposed your skills to make a difference. Contentment comes in putting God first in your life, giving him all the glory for the grace he's shown you. We are all unique, and we are all on our own retirement journey. What does your retirement look like?
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Coming Soon
The Art of Retirement
Opening the Next Door...
The Art of Retirement… Opening the Next Door is a practical, encouraging faith-based retirement guide that helps readers navigate the joys and challenges of this new season.
Author Tina Toedt shares her own experiences and those of others to provide relatable, real-life wisdom applicable to people from all walks of life, including adult children seeking to understand their parents’ retirement journey.
The book carefully addresses the retirement planning journey with intention, from anticipation to living day-to-day in retirement, offering counsel on finding purpose, setting goals, and keeping Christ as the anchor. With discussion questions after each chapter, this retirement gift book encourages and directs readers to redecorate and repurpose their lives in retirement.
