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Dear Reader,
Just a short article this week as I've been in summer mode. My favorite time of year.
As I reflect on summer my recent retirement so far, I'd like to share some things with you that I've been feeling.
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 that I've reached this chapter in 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.
I met two co-workers for dinner last night. It was the first time I drove to my old job at Farmingdale State College 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 here in 1976 after graduating high school. I got a very good education and obtained my first job in New York City from a job fair at the college. I don't think I would have had that opportunity otherwise. 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 with this firm. That was the beginning of my work life. I returned to work at Farmingdale State College in 2015 when I moved back to Long Island. I got 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.
What I've learned so far is that although it's good to have a plan, 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, both 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
