It happened to me the year I retired. You reach a certain age, and it all kicks in: Social Security, Medicare, and a fondness for hydrangeas.
Sigrid Nunez
Of course, I had anticipated that my husband and I would eventually retire. We would face the challenge of coexisting in our cozy, small condo, day and night, navigating the intricacies of daily life together. After I retired, my husband continued working for seven years. During that time, we established a satisfactory routine. I would spend my days doing the usual housekeeping I had always done and enjoy the peaceful solitude in my spare time. Meanwhile, he dedicated himself to his career. We carried on merrily, me at home indulging in writing and reading my ever-growing book collection, while he went off to work.
Recently, he retired, marking a significant shift in our lifestyle. Adjustments had to be made. Suddenly, he had a lot of free time, while I had to learn to share my previously cherished daytime tranquility. My friends asked, “How will you adjust?” With a hint of apprehension, I considered their question, but as it turned out, it hasn’t been that difficult. We quickly developed a rhythm. He took a few classes that interested him, volunteered at a neighborhood museum, and went to the gym. We decided to take a Tai Chi class together once a week. We discovered that we could enjoy each other’s company without the pressure of time constraints.
There are times when unexpected events happen. A few weeks ago, after looking at it on the closet shelf for moths, we decided to tackle a jigsaw puzzle. Our goal was to take our time, knowing that we needed the table by Halloween for a family dinner. Neither of us expected how deeply committed we would become in the process. We often found ourselves sitting down to spend a half hour or so working on the puzzle; an hour later, we would be frantically searching for just one more missing piece. Who could have predicted how engrossing this pastime would become? We’re not sure if we’ll start another puzzle for a while, but we were both surprised by our unwavering commitment to the task.
Ms. Nunez developed a fondness for hydrangeas when she retired, while I, on the other hand, seem to have an affinity for jigsaw puzzles. I appreciate the challenge they present and the satisfaction that comes with completing the tangled picture. Life is a cyclical journey, constantly evolving and shifting. We can’t stop time from progressing, no matter how hard we wish to hold onto fleeting moments. The best we can do is move forward with it, learning and growing from our experiences as we navigate the winding paths of our lives. Each new phase offers its own unique rewards and lessons.
Peace be with you.
Aging with Grace 
12 responses to “Navigating Life Changes”
Your adjustment seems to have taken almost no time at all.
Wonderful that you could find your rhythm and daily activities that you both enjoy.
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We have been fortunate to figure it out quickly.❤️
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I love this! I was thinking about you this morning and wondering how you were handling hubby’s retirement, but I knew it would be done with grace. 💖
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Being together for 21 years helped. ❤️
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I also love puzzles but mine are online, quick 20 minute dip into something fun. One of these days I should try a ‘real’ puzzle!
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We do the online puzzles, too. This was definitely a bigger commitment!
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“Each new phase offers its own unique rewards and lessons.” Love the wisdom in this line. So true.
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It’s a work in progress.
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My parents retired nearly at the same time and even though it took some adjustment, well more fir my mom , they kept their hobbies and things to do on their own but they also rediscovered the joy of being together and go out together without time pressures . It’s so nice to see them like that. 🥰
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It is an adjustment, but nice to have more time together.
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This is so true. Time moves forward and brings all kinds of changes. Staying stuck or where we were can hasten decline, so why not go for it. Sounds like a happy balance you and your husband have found.
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“Staying stuck or where we are can hasten decline.” So true! I find moving forward seems to work best. ⭐️
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