Retirement

I have often heard about the problems with retirement for career oriented people. And, yep, I have experience them first hand.

To move from a life full of effort and focused commitment to a life of leisure is tough. ( I know, you are playing the world's smallest violin for my troubles.)

My days used to be consumed with running a business. This takes at least 12 hours a day when the commute, working hours and mental ruminations are all considered.

That's a lot of time out of each day.

Why?

Well, you need something to do!

Something to replace all that time spent on business or work.

I am learning that Boquete is ideal for the transition into retirement. I didn't know this would be so difficult and that I would be so lucky to end up in a community that helps the process.

This place is full of retired people...most of them ready and willing to do things. All sorts of things...from playing to entertainment to starting and running non-profits to traveling or simply relaxing together.

It would be harder to find these people back in my old home town.

Our life is full, maybe too full.

We desperately need another car because we are coming and going in different activities and at different times now. We live too far out of town for the taxis and buses so a car, bicycle or walking are the only resources, and bicycles and walking only go so far.

Yesterday I rode my bicycle into town for breakfast. Then we returned at 11 for Improv followed by lunch with Improv people. We returned at 6 to preform Improv at a Happy Hour then dinner with some friends, getting home at 9 in the evening.

A full day and I didn't talk about all the music practice and working out songs we did in the afternoon.

I personally love it!

I like to stay busy. I like to socialize and stay connected to people.

And I was having a hard time with retirement. So all this activity is very welcome.

A note about Improv...

Last night we performed 30 minutes of Improv comedy for a group of about 60 people. And it went well.

Typically, Improv is very spotty in the funny department. Most of it doesn't work. That's just the nature of Improv.

But last night most it worked. Finally, we have a competent group of performers. And, we included the audience in the skits. They love it!

It is magical to do spontaneous skits and have people laugh. It helps if they want to laugh. And we have a wise director who includes the audience into the skits.

The thing about Improv is that the audience thinks they can do it too, even though it is more difficult than it looks. So, if it is set up right, the audience CAN do it, with a little help from the performers.

This makes for a fun time.