It’s been 25 years since I retired at 47. Technically, I continued to work though not on a regular 9-5 desk job. Rather,I had 2 meetings a month. Anything more and I’m “overworked”. In between the meetings, I traveled, spent time with my friends, went to church and simply had a wonderful time celebrating life. Through it all, I ticked off destinations from a long list, searched for exotic dishes and adventures and promptly prepped for the 2 monthly meetings that sustained my lifestyle. I’m putting all that behind me now. Absolutely no more work. Nailed the last chapter of my career. No more graphs and financial reports to review. No more special zoom meetings that consumed more thinking hours. No more document deliveries for signature. The simple act of stepping down and out was liberating. Trips now need not go around the scheduled meetings and more importantly, there was no compelling rush to cover as much ground as possible. When I quit my full-time job back in 2001, I appreciated the relaxed pace already. But it is an even more elevated sense of freedom now. As in, no more worries. No more anxieties. No midnight or early morn zoom meetings while I’m abroad on a different time zone. Absolutely no stress now. No rush. Let everything take its natural course.
No rush. Love that. The luxury of time. Hours in a bookstore just browsing around, coffee breaks that are truly “breaks” and not just caffeine nutrition, sweetly poring over restaurant menus without being fussy if the dishes took awhile before being served. Traveling without an agenda, or leaving the task of crafting the itinerary to a younger set who has a long list to tick off. No rush. Every minute celebrated. Off with the travel lists and must-do’s. Just go. Explore or linger. Savour every second. I learned there is actually an art to waiting. It is when one pays more attention to details that a more authentic sense of appreciation blooms. A deeper sense of gratitude. Would you rush through a scrumptious meal, or even a good cup of brew or an excellent book? It parallels being mindful. When every single detail matters. A rushed, busy life takes that away. Where I sit now, I refuse to multi-task. Done that when I was way younger. I’d rather focus on a single item now and preserve the thoughtfulness attached to it.
lifeisacelebration 
So happy for you:))
Thank you !