Turning 65

There’s something about birthdays, especially big ones, that naturally call for reflection. Certainly, turning 65 is one that involves much more effort compared to other birthdays in which I could just sit back and let the celebration wash over me. I’ve actually been eagerly anticipating this birthday for a few years because of my enrollment in Medicare—a program that I would describe as a blessing! After a great deal of self-education, visiting with my financial advisor,  and chatting with a few different insurance agents, making Medicare decisions by the various deadlines has taken a great deal of time during the past few months. But, having been on the program for three weeks and having already benefited from it, I can say that, even enrolling in the most expensive—premium-wise—supplemental plan, I have a feeling of security as well as a monthly raise, as the total amount out of pocket each month is less than the previous monthly premiums I’ve been paying. Still, my goal is to stay as healthy as possible but still enjoy the occasional non-nutritional treat—after all, I’m 65 and I have earned it!

This new year also comes with full retirement, a decision I made a year earlier than I had originally planned. I knew that there was no way I was going to continue teaching on campus when guns will be allowed in July 2017; however, there’s also truth in knowing when the time is ripe. As a result, in May, after my last college composition class, I walked into the house and announced to Jim, “I’m done.” And now that classes have begun for the fall—on a date I wasn’t even tuned in to—I still know that I made the right decision. Just knowing that my daily routine no longer includes grading essays is pure joy!

In reflection, I realize that I’ve made most of my big decisions in the same manner, following the title of a Mary Englebreit book, Don’t Look Back. I’ve always had a tendency to make decisions without a great deal of deliberation yet, fortunately, with few regrets. That approach has applied to enrolling at KU (at the last minute, instead of K-State), accepting job offers, moving residences, making major purchases, and breaking off relationships—both personal and professional. Granted, I’ve sometimes wondered how “way [might have led] on to way” had I taken a different road, but not with a longing to go back in time to do anything differently—with the exception of wishing I had gone out for musicals in high school.  (I still yearn for an opportunity to play Eliza Doolittle!)

Along with reflection, however, I’m not through setting goals, if for no other reason than believing in the role of life-long learning. Whether I live a few more minutes or many more years, my natural curiosity to learn more about the world I live in, including the parts I’ll never experience directly, is innate to who I am. As is true with birthdays, some learning embraces us, with no effort on our part, but a great deal of learning requires our deliberate involvement through activities and through reading.

As a result, I restart my blog, “Honest Truths and Other Redundancies,” to share my continued learnings and self-reflections throughout the next stage of my life. Always in tune with audience and purpose, I recognize that my thoughts may be only for myself; however, I invite you to come along on this journey if and when you choose.