Adjusting to a Less Stressful Life

I’ve not written in a while. It seems there has not been much to say of late. Life has become so simplistic.

Today, Craig and I attended a Meet & Greet cocktail / luncheon that was held at a local restaurant. Newcomers to the area as well as expats who have been here a while, met to share their friendship and knowledge. We talked with a lot of great people who we plan on getting together with in the future.

Having been retired now for half a year and Craig retired for over 2 months, we are slowly settling in. When we first arrived in Boquete, Panama in early May, it felt like “vacation mode”, checking out the town, the sights, tours, getting to know the local hangouts. Finding a rental and getting a car was a priority, as was getting our Panamanian drivers licenses. Having been used to the hustle and bustle of every day life in the United States, it has been quite an adjustment mentally. I wake up in the morning without an agenda, leisurely enjoying the wonderful Panamanian coffee we have here, and catching up with my emails and Facebook. An afternoon out entails going to the fruit and vegetable lady and stocking up, grocery store, and maybe stopping for a cocktail. This week we had a friend over for dinner. Filling out our time are video Spanish lessons with teacher and friend, Yaira Munoz; oh, and homework! Going for long walks and going to the gym are things we also like to do. We’ve been re-watching The Sopranos many evenings. There is only so much relaxing that one can do, though. What else is out there? At times I miss the creative part of my former occupation as a graphic designer, but not the sitting behind a desk for 8 hours a day. It wreaked havoc on my shoulders, elbows, wrists, neck and back, I no longer have those issues.

There has been an inner struggle from time to time, looking for that missing piece, and missing family back in the States. The transition has been challenging. I am so grateful to be able to make this journey with my husband and best friend. Retirement is not a destination, but a journey. I do not know what my missing piece is yet, but it cannot be rushed. For some people, the need to work after retirement becomes a necessity, for others, it provides structure, routine and purpose. I do not know where I fall in the grand scheme of things. Waking up in this beautiful country with breathtaking views of Baru and the surrounding mountains, I have to count my blessings every day. We’re starting to get into the rhythm of life without structure, life has become more of an improvisation. We look forward to what the future holds and thank God every day for our good health and for this opportunity and fresh chance at a new adventure.