Hi my friends,
Tonight, I felt it on my heart to share a little update about my retirement journey. I wanted to write honestly — not in a sad way, but in a real way. Sometimes, we’re afraid to show the tender, darker parts of our story because it leaves us feeling vulnerable. And truthfully, we don’t always know if anyone will understand or relate.
My hope in sharing this part of my life is twofold:
- Writing this will bring me a bit of healing and closure, and
- That it might touch someone out there who’s walking through a similar season.
So, let’s get to the heart of it…
Retirement is a word I used to dream about. I pictured peaceful mornings, time to craft, no more rushing, no more deadlines. And while all of that is true — I am finally free to do the things I love — I’d be lying if I said this transition has been easy.
The Unexpected Quiet After 40+ Years of Work
After more than 40 years of working, the rhythm of my life completely changed. I thought I’d slip right into this new chapter with ease, but some days, I feel a little lost. There’s no time clock to punch, no calendar full of meetings, no one depending on me for answers. And as freeing as that sounds, it also leaves a strange quiet in its place.
When Freedom Feels a Little Empty
I don’t miss the stress of my last job — I really don’t. It took a lot out of me, and I knew it was time to go. But when something has shaped your daily life for so long, walking away from it leaves an emptiness you can’t prepare for. I went from being “needed” to wondering, “What’s my purpose now?”
Finding My Way Back Through Creativity and Faith
Crafting has been my therapy — my way of expressing myself and finding beauty in small things. But even with that joy, I’ve realized that this season of life isn’t just about filling my days. It’s about learning to rest. To breathe. To trust that God has a plan even when I can’t see exactly where this path leads.
Learning to Trust God’s Timing in This Season
Some days I wake up thankful and peaceful; other days, I wake up uncertain. And I think that’s okay. Adjusting to retirement isn’t a one-day switch — it’s a process of letting go, healing from old stresses, and learning who you are without the job title or routine.
Redefining Purpose After Retirement 🌸
I remind myself daily: God didn’t bring me this far to leave me now. He’s teaching me that my worth isn’t in what I do, but in who I am.
I’m learning that this chapter isn’t about losing purpose — it’s about redefining it. Maybe God is giving me this space not to fill with busyness, but to rediscover joy in simple moments… to create, to reflect, and to finally rest without guilt.
I don’t have all the answers yet, and maybe that’s the beauty of it. Each day is a small step toward finding balance — between doing and being, between creating and simply sitting still.
If you’re reading this and feeling the same kind of “in-between,” please know you’re not alone. Adjusting takes time. Healing takes time. But I believe there’s peace waiting for us in this season, even if it unfolds slowly.
So for now, I’ll keep crafting, keep praying, and keep trusting God’s timing. One day, I’ll look back and realize that even in the quiet, He was reshaping my heart for something new.
