NIAGARA, Wis. — I have been retired since 2016 — 10 whole years — so I thought it would be a good exercise to evaluate how I feel now compared to how I felt about it while I was still working.

It should come as no surprise to anyone who has been reading this column for a while that I am by nature a planner. I set goals and work toward them step by step. Retirement was probably the biggest, and most important, goal — other than the choice of my husband — that I made in my life. I had decided I would work until I was 65 — no early out for me –and then call it good to go.

I based my decision partly on watching my mother decide to retire — early. There were circumstances in her life at the time which, she felt, made this early exit both possible and advisable. Later, I think she regretted it. So, having her experience to draw upon, I did not succumb to my boss’s suggestion — three times — that I take advantage of the “early out” being offered. I had my plan, based upon established goals, and I was not about to deviate from it.

I had made my two co-workers aware of my plans and asked them two favors: to not share the information with anyone else and to let me know if I was getting ornery during my final year. Having watched my mother experience that in her last year, I just did not want to go out that way. They kept their word despite a little orneriness on my part, and they gave me a wonderful retirement party that finished my 24 years with another lovely memory.

I recently read an article titled “Beginning That New Chapter in Your Life Called Retirement” that included many insights from people who had already taken that step. Meant to help you with the transition, I arranged them into four categories.

1. Focus on the Future. Most of us leave our working years with plenty of good memories: satisfying and challenging work, feelings of satisfaction, and memories of good times with friends made while working. Now it is time to look ahead and realize that we have the freedom to chart a new course for our lives. The following quotes bear this out —

— “There are better things ahead than any we leave behind.” — C.S. Lewis, author.

— “Celebrate endings — for they precede new beginnings.” — Jonathan Lockwood Huie, author of motivational books.

— “There will come a time when you believe everything is finished; that will be the beginning.” — Louis L’Amour, author of Western novels.

— “There is a whole new kind of life ahead, full of experience just waiting to happen. Some call it ‘retirement.’ I call it bliss.” — Betty Sullivan, Ed Sullivan’s daughter; wife and mother.

2. You can leave your past frustrations behind and focus on a new life filled with enjoyable pleasures. Most of the time those frustrations came from trying to juggle too many balls in the air at one time. Letting go of work opens the door to a calmer lifestyle … or one made busy by enjoyable tasks you have chosen for yourself.

— “To rid yourself of old patterns, focus all your energy not on struggling with the old, but on building the new.” — Dan Millman, author and lecturer.

3. Don’t fear change — embrace it. We are automatically skeptical about those situations we have not as yet experienced. So, it is both easy and natural to fear change. For many years, we have become accustomed to a usual routine of work interrupted only by an annual short-term vacation. In fact, our entire adult lives have been shaped by the jobs we have had. It is only natural that we are a bit hesitant to leave that routine. Even if some of the days were not the most fun, at least they had become familiar so we knew what to expect. Retirement has loomed ahead of us into the great unknown that is the future. Now it has arrived and will shape our remaining years. Here are some perspectives that may help you —

— “The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible.” — Arthur C. Clarke, science fiction author.

— “Change can be scary, but you know what’s scarier? Allowing fear to stop you from growing, evolving, and progressing.” — Mandy Hale, best-selling author, blogger and speaker.

— “Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.” — Fred Rogers, TV show host of “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood.”

4. Recreate yourself. For years, our personality has been molded by the requirements of our job; at least for 40 hours per week. We may have been able to relax into ourselves a bit once we got home. But with the freedom of retirement comes a wonderful opportunity to completely reinvent ourselves. We have the time to explore hobbies, take trips, or even take a part-time job totally different from the one we just left. We discover different sides of our personality and new talents we never dreamed we had. The sky is the limit. You certainly have the time and, if we have planned well, we also have the income. Consider these insights —

— “Retirement is blank sheet of paper. It is a chance to redesign your life into something new and different.” — Patrick Foley, actor, writer and producer.

— “Retirement gives you the time literally to recreate yourself through a sport, game or hobby that you always wanted to try or that you haven’t done in years.” — Stephen D. Price, composer, and actor.

— “I see retirement as just another of those reinventions, another chance to do new things and be a new version of myself.” — Walt Mossberg, American technology journalist.

So, you may be wondering what I have done with my retirement. Initially, nothing. I honestly allowed myself to wallow in the fact that I no longer had a schedule that required my presence anywhere. I stopped setting the alarm on our bedroom clock. I lingered over breakfast with my husband, doing a word find while he did his crossword puzzle. I have continued this practice to the present.

I relaxed, spending a lot of time on our deck and watching the river go by at Niagara’s boat landing. I listened to the birds early in the morning. I was asked to join a study group which I have enjoyed now for four years. Having joined a book club prior to my retirement, I read a lot. Then I started to clean — every room of the house got a good, deep cleaning. Then, I cleaned out and reorganized drawers, closets and cupboards.

By the time I had finished all of these chores that had long been waiting in the wings until “I had the time,” an opportunity fell into my lap. My job in public relations had put me in contact with our daily newspaper. I was offered this column to write for them on a weekly basis. I did not have to think twice. One weekly deadline I could handle. It has been an experience that has kept my brain actively working without taking up too much of my life.

So, if you, too, are a retiree, I hope you are enjoying this time of your life. If you still have retirement in your future, I wish for you all of the satisfaction that I have found in mine doing what you enjoy the most and spending time with those you love. Life is too short and flies by too quickly to settle for anything less.

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

The center welcomes anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

The third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. has a Memory Cafe – a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program runs on donations.

Sunday: Wear Pink Day.

Monday: Wear your best red. Movie Day.

Tuesday: Bright white day. Wonderful cupcakes. Communion with Don/Donna.

Wednesday: Wear your best of blue. Ice cream floats. Music with Mike, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Make yourself shine with yellow. Pizza Day. Music with Todd, 2 p.m.

Friday: Pic your green. Appetizers Day.

Saturday: Armed Forces Day – thank a veteran. Wear purple day. Enjoy your mix of candy.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday:  Mother’s Day. Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; throw away bingo, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 2 p.m.

Monday: Pajama Day. Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 3 p.m.; web browsing, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Crafts, 9 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; bowling, 11:30 a.m.; prize wheel bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 3 p.m.; trivia, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Twin Day. Pass the prize, 9:30 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:45 a.m.; lunch outing, 10:30 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; spa day, 1:30 p.m.; throwback movie, 6 p.m.

Thursday: “Anything but a cup” coffee social. Christ United, 10 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:45 a.m.; ICMCF variety show, 1:30 p.m.; big buck night bingo, 6:15 p.m.

Friday: ICMCF Day. Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; DT Slotomania, 1:30 to 3 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzler/how do you feel? 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.,

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Manicures and sitcoms, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; coffee time and a Mother’s Day movie, 2 p.m.

Monday: Resident council meeting, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; after dinner reminiscing, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; spring craft, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; gardening club, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee time, 9 a.m.; Hope Church, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; music by Todd Wangerin, 2 p.m., desserts and conversation, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9 a.m.; current news, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; heartland, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flipo card game, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures and sitcoms, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; coffee time, 2 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715- 251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Mother’s Day. Coffee social and sweets, 10 a.m.; individual communion, 10:15 a.m.; Mother’s Day bingo, 2 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 p.m.; seed planting, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; flower planting, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; scavenger hunt, 10:15 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Time for tea — wear your tea hat. Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; baking, 10 a.m.; tea party, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Pizza party day. Buzz words, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Ray and Mindy, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Armed Forces Day. Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No information was available.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Mother’s Day Tea, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:30 a.m.; church service, 1:30 p.m.; sundaes and social, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages; daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; you be the judge, 11 a.m.; manicure Monday, 2 p.m.; Bible studies, 3 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour/who-what-where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Uno, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; food talk and resident council, 10:30 a.m.; what’s in the bag? 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 2 p.m.; rummy, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo/joke of the day, 10:30 a.m.; off to the races, 2 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; drama club; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation, Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; paint and sip, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles, drama club.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation, chair yoga, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; Bible studies, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; activity packets, daily chronicles.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week –

Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable, bread.

Wednesday: Egg bake, sausage, hash browns, muffin.

Thursday: Chicken salad sandwich, loaded tots, broccoli salad.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating at noon Monday through Thursday. Carryout meals, soup and salad bar are also available. Friday meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pasty pie, four-way mixed vegetables, applesauce.

Tuesday: Biscuit and sausage gravy, roasted potatoes, warmed pears.

Wednesday: Smothered chicken and noodles, California blend vegetables, dinner roll, Jell-O with fruit.

Thursday: Evening meal: Salad bar at 3:30 p.n. with meal at 4 p.m., lasagna, green beans, bread stick, chocolate cake.

Crystal Falls Center

906-875-6709

The center serves meals for dine-in or takeout – call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place an order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. – call ahead and leave a message with a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Sloppy Joes, macaroni and cheese.

Tuesday: Chicken fajitas, rice and beans.

Wednesday: Sub sandwiches, chips.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 244

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, Jell-O.

Tuesday: Amish country casserole, au gratin potatoes, broccoli, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Grandma’s chicken and dumplings, carrots, fruit.

Thursday: Celebrating all birthdays — Enchiladas, Spanish rice, cornbread, treat.

Friday: Pancakes, sausage, hash brown potatoes, warmed fruit, bread with butter and jam.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice or no beverage.

For more information, call Sarah VanMarter at 906-774-2256, ext. 244.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Les Artistes art club, noon to 3 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m.; cards cost 25 cents with 10 games played.

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; board games, 1 to 3 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Head cook: Joan Wickman, 906-246-3559

Program president: Lisa Casey, 906-282-7899.

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal at 11:30 a.m. and dessert to follow. Evening meal is served every third Wednesday of the month, with sponsored activities. Takeout meals are available. Delivery offered to homebound residents within Felch, West Branch and Breen townships.

Menu for the week –

Monday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy.

Tuesday: Chicken bacon ranch wrap, soup.

Wednesday: Baked breaded pork chop, cheesy hash browns.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Menu for the week —

Monday: Tuna melt on a bun, tomato soup, pickle slices, fruit.

Tuesday: Chicken and stuffing, stuffed shells, spinach, garlic bread, fruit.

Wednesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, spinach orange salad, breadsticks, fruit, brownies.

Thursday: Pulled pork sandwich, potato salad, baked beans, fruit, cookies.

Friday: Quiche Lorraine, hash browns, romaine salad with tomatoes and cucumbers, fruit.

All meals are served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Serving on site Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:30 a.m. For reservations, call 715-589-4491. Homebound meals will be delivered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Florence Community Center

Meals served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday.

Fence Town Hall

Serving at noon Wednesday only. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Tipler Town Hall

Serving at noon on second Thursday only. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals-On-Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Salisbury steak with gravy, boiled yellow potatoes, green beans, apple slices, whole wheat bread.

Tuesday: Chicken parmesan, whole wheat spaghetti noodles, Brussel sprouts, warm cinnamon peas, side salad with cheese and tomato.

Wednesday: Chef salad, dressing packet, fruit ambrosia, muffin.

Thursday: Meatballs in brown gravy, mashed potatoes with gravy, diced carrots, fruit cup, whole wheat bread.

Milk available at all meals.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal served at 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, salad bar opens at 3:30 p.m. with the meal at 4 p.m. Meals can be prepared for carryout. Meal menu —

Monday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, Jell-O.

Tuesday: Amish country casserole with noodles, broccoli, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Grandma’s chicken and dumplings, carrots, fruit .

Thursday: Celebrating all birthdays — Enchiladas, Spanish rice, cornbread, dessert treat.

All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation for the meal is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo is played on most Wednesdays. Transportation to the meal site is available.

Tuesday: Chicken salad on a croissant, tomato/cucumber salad, banana.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, carrots, wheat bread, pears.

Thursday: Lasagna, spinach salad with tomatoes, garlic bread, fruited gelatin.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:30 a.m. Salad bar available from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m. — those attending should let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or picking up the meal. Menu for the week —

Monday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, garlic bread, cauliflower.

Tuesday: Chicken cordon bleu, rice, mixed vegetables.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas.

Thursday: Pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes and gravy, Brussel sprouts.

Board meeting set for Thursday.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Dine-in meals served. Salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available. Dine-in meal is $5 and takeout meal is $6. Reservations are required and should specify if dining in or taking out. Come and enjoy a meal with us — all are welcome — any age. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Grilled brats, baked beans, tater tots, vegetable, dessert.

Wednesday: Chicken pot pie, vegetable, bread, dessert.

Thursday: Pork chops, sweet potato, vegetable, bread, dessert.