Updated 2026. My mother passed at age 97 (2024) RIP. I will be updating this site so I can help retirees again. Write to me!

Retirement and What I’ve Learned!

by Irwin
(Auburndale FL USA)

It is true that I haven’t been here in quite a while and well, there are no excuses. I didn’t listen to my own advice. What advice do you ask? In a nutshell, advice I’ve learned from listening to Larry the Cable Guy:

“Git Er Done!”

We have been retired now since 1996, with the odd jobs here and there to keep going until Social Security kicked in. Has it been fun? It has been a blast! But, looking back now that I am about to turn 85 years old this year, while I truly have no regrets, there are a few things I would have done differently.

At one point during our retired life, we have been quite active. As a matter of fact, after my triple bypass I had to do certain exercises daily which I have faithfully done up until recently.

During my recuperation period, my wife learned line-dancing and well, seeing that I needed to exercise, she taught me. We both enjoyed it so much, I joined the group. We were eventually known as Cypress Lakes Rockettes and one Rocker. Ah, the good times.

We kept up with the line dancing even after we moved to another community but as luck would have it, they too had line dance classes and so we joined that group and shared some of the dances we learned with that group.

But I am getting away from the point here and that is what would we or me have done differently. Well, for one thing I would eat better (stay away from processed food) and I would keep up with the exercise (be it walking, stretching, dancing).

As far as walking goes, now it is too hot to walk outside. Stretching, well, that is all on me. Remember above when I said, “Git Er Done”, yup, you got it, I need to get my butt out of bed first thing in the morning and just Do It.

By now, you may be wondering why we stopped line dancing. Well, one of the things we learn as we age is that our bodies have a mind of their own and ours is no different. A recent development has occurred regarding our health, and it has slowed us down quite a bit. But we are coping and taking life one day at a time.

So, now you know why I have not been here writing as much as I used to. My words to end this piece with are: Take life one day at a time and

Live, Learn, Love.

Until next time!



Comments for Retirement and What I’ve Learned!

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Yes, we are aging!
by: Wendy, Retirement Enthusiast/Coach

I get it, Irwin!

My sister was always very active, compared to me... and yet two months after knee surgery, she needs a second procedure. Never expected any setbacks!

Dance while you can! Enjoy life!
If not NOW, when?
by: Ricardo

A few comments picking up on the post from Irwin. My father had a number of catch phrases that he used when the need was appropriate. I thought as a kid, whats he talking about anyway, as I grew up I understood that he was smarter than I gave him credit for.

One phrase was, do NOT put off what you can do today until tommorrow, do it NOW and move on, THEN, you are not overwhelmed with life and all that occurs.

Another great one was, a place for everything and everything in its place, WOW, How often has THAT come into play in my life?

Another great one, do unto others as you would have them do unto you!

As I aged, I realized that my father had a lot more on the ball than I gave him credit for as when I was a kid. Many of these phrases I have passed on for many that have crossed my path, daughter, grandchildren, friends, they have served me well in life, pay it forward, thanks Dad, AND happy fathers day!

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