I will never be 55 again and I can’t go back to 25. I can only question the what-ifs and coulda, woulda, shouldas. I did what I did and I am what I am and I accept that.

I can’t say that I regret anything I’ve done – or haven’t done – in my life. Well, maybe I should have gone to prom when I was asked. Or, maybe I should have actively pursued that job at Hallmark Cards after I graduated from college. Again, coulda, woulda, shoulda.

I plan to retire from my job of almost 34 years in about 6 months. I’m not second guessing it. It’s time. It’s not as if I’m done and awaiting my last days. I feel the need to move on to something else. In retirement I want to write, learn to play guitar, learn to speak Spanish, do some volunteer work, travel, etc., etc. I still have children at home so I’ll still be involved with them, but this will be about me. I just want to wake up in the morning and make my own plans; not report to an office for 8 hours doing something I really don’t care about.

This is my next chapter; writing it as I go.

I’ve been hearing a lot lately about being true to yourself and following your dreams. Follow your dreams and do what you were truly meant to do. I’m sure this isn’t something people have just started to say. They’ve probably been saying it and I just started to listen.

I wasn’t sure of what to write about this week. I’m still trying to define this blog. I can proudly say that I am writing. I’m finally listening to that voice in my head – and the voice of a friend who continues to challenge me to “just do it”.

I’ve actually stepped into the pool, waist deep, not just dipping my toes in to test the water.