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Dear Reader,
Just a short article this week as I've been in summer mode. I hope you’re enjoying your summer. What a blissful time of year.
As I reflect on summer and my recent retirement from Farmingdale State College, I'd like to share some thoughts with you. I love not setting an alarm clock. I love going to bed late and waking up whenever I wake up. I love not having a rigid schedule. I love the feeling of gratitude for this chapter of my life. I love feeling free. I love that it's summer, and I can do whatever I want. I love being retired. This journey takes a long time. It requires planning and saving money. When you're ready, you'll know it. It feels fabulous!
I met two co-workers for dinner last week. It was the first time I drove to Farmingdale since I retired in June. Traffic was surprisingly light. It felt strange. I certainly don't miss that ride. I was happy to see my friends, though.
Farmingdale State College has deep meaning to me. It's at the center of my life, so I didn't retire without a lot of thought and reservation. I first attended college there in 1976 after graduating high school. I got a very good education and obtained my first professional job in New York City from a job fair at the college. That position set the standard for the rest of my work life. It changed my DNA. Danne & Blackburn was a renowned graphic design firm who designed the NASA worm logo. This is an iconic logo that remains in the permanent collection at MoMA in New York City and is the featured logo of the National Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C. I am so very proud of my years working with this firm. After moving back to Long Island in 2012, I returned to Farmingdale State College where I began working in 2015. I eventually acquired my Baccalaureate Degree in 2024. I am a prime example of life coming full circle in more ways than one.
We all have a plan for our life. We take the time to think about what we want to be when we grow up. But there are other forces at play that can lead us down a different path. Most of us understand this. You may be thinking my life didn't turn out the way I thought it would. Hopefully, it turned out better than you thought it would.
Before I sign off, there are two products I want to share with you that I’ve been using for a while now. It took me time to notice their effects, but now that I’m retired and have more time to focus on consistent self-care, I’d like to tell you about them.
Morning Restore is a natural overall health product created by Marisa Tomei for her brand, Terra Mare. It is a tasty powder that you mix with water, and it comes in a few flavors. I drink it each morning. It’s so easy to prepare. Morning Restore helps with many aspects of health including more energy and alertness, less bloating, and a sharper mind and calmer mood. You’ll look and feel better, too. I love this product, and I think you will, too. Get yours at www.terramare.com.
The other product I’ve been using is Humby Organics. These are all natural shampoo and conditioning bars developed for overall hair and scalp health, especially thinning hair and hair loss. These issues can occur after menopause as they did with me. This product has been a game changer. “Supercharge your hair growth and unlock thicker, fuller hair.” It takes a little while to notice real change, but trust me, you will. Get your hair bars at www.humbyorganics.com.
What I've learned so far is that although it's good to have a plan for retirement, hold the reins lightly. Be aware of the long and winding road. Allow it to unfold. Stay present. Stay in wonder. Stay in awe. Embrace every moment of your life as if it were a master plan. It's all a big mystery anyway. Just love yourself. Take good care of yourself - physically, mentally, spiritually, and monetarily. Most of all, do what makes you happy!
Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Peace and Love,
Skylark
At 60 and Beyond, focus on happiness. This is the key.
Here's a song I love. The Creator has a Master Plan by The Brooklyn Funk Essentials
