What puzzle are you solving

Have you ever thought about how retirement is like working on a jigsaw puzzle? I often reflect on that comparison, especially when I sit down with a 1,000-piece or even a 5,000-piece puzzle.

You can only work on it for so long before you need to take a break. You start by finding the edges and corners, building the frame. From there, you hunt for pieces with similar colors or patterns, working to complete little sections at a time.

It’s a slow process, but when those sections connect to the edges, there’s a real sense of accomplishment. Eventually, you’re left with the toughest parts—the sky, the water, or areas where the pieces all look the same.

That’s when you have to rely on shape rather than color to finish the puzzle. Retirement, in many ways, follows the same pattern. At first, you start by creating a routine—the “edges” of your new life.

You think you know exactly how you’ll spend your days, and some of that may work. Slowly, you begin adding in new activities, maybe volunteering, hobbies, travel, or part-time work. Some things you try don’t stick, and you let them go.

Others spark a passion you didn’t know you had, and they grow into major parts of your life. Over time, just like with a puzzle, all the pieces of retirement start to come together.

You realize that your new life has its own rhythm, purpose, and vision. You’re not just passing time—you’re building something fulfilling. Of course, there will be challenges.

Financial worries, health concerns, and unexpected life changes are all part of the process, just like puzzling through those difficult sections with no clear pattern.

But the key is to keep going, to stay curious, and to embrace new experiences.

Retirement can be as rewarding and meaningful as your working years—maybe even more so. Make your kids wonder what you’re up to next! Retirement is your time—use it with intention, plan wisely, and enjoy every moment building your next adventure.

 #AdjunctLife, #TeacherReflections, #SeasonOfChange, #LifeTransitions, #SpringTransitions, #NewBeginnings, #MultipleIronsInTheFire, #FaithOverFear, #StayProductive, #EmbraceTheChange