Sailing In To Retirement

   When it comes to retirement some people can't wait to turn their papers in.  Others dread the day they are forced to give up work.  Some fear they will have nothing to do and no means to support themselves in retirement.  As for myself I began slowly retiring around age 46, gradually cutting back on my work schedule.  By the time I turned 65 my work load consisted of around twelve hours a month.  Retirement can be dangerous time for some but for myself, it been a easy  and natural transition  over a twenty year period.  A sense of purpose, depression or any thing meaningful to do has never really been much of a problem.  That may be because I slowly sailed into retirement.
     Many people get a great sense of freedom when they don't have to punch that old time clock.  Empowerment flows over them like the water that flows over Niagara Falls.  Those people feel as though the whole world has opened up so they travel, travel and travel.  Eventually after a few restless years of traveling they end up setting on the couch, catching up on a lot of television.  The empowerment of a new destination every few weeks will eventually fade, making the quest  of true happiness harder and harder to obtain.  Real happiness comes mostly with age and not when you're trying to manufacture it.
     Lots of people fear they won't be able to support themselves financially  in retirement  but I want to tell those people, "Its easier that they think".  I've positioned myself where my income in retirement will be twice what it is currently.  So it looks like retirement for myself will be clear sailing.