May 31st marked the end of 20 years of employment at Liberty Mutual Insurance. Making that decision to retire and move on to the next chapter of my life was not done lightly. I’m not certain what that will entail, and if I’m honest with myself (which I try to be), I feel a bit uncertain of the direction I’m headed. Having worked so long, you get set in a routine. Sometimes that was exactly what I needed, but other times, it felt more like a cinder block was tied to my ankle, holding me down. Don’t get me wrong…I know I was exactly where God wanted me to be for the last 20 years of employment. He opened that door in 1999, and I was content. All of that changed about a year ago. Nothing specific, just a feeling of needing something fresh and different. At 60, you probably think I’m a little late for anything new and adventurous, but have faith! I have a feeling it could surprise us.
Yesterday morning, I didn’t have my alarm to wake me up, but my body automatically woke up at 6:15. You have no idea how nice it was to be able to roll over and go back to sleep for a few more hours. Today, I met with a good friend for breakfast and had one of my granddaughters come over and go swimming. It doesn’t sound like much, but it’s the start of being a little more free to do “other” things with my days besides sitting in a cubicle with a headset attached to my head! I don’t have to log in and log out for breaks and lunch. I can eat when I want, where I want or even IF I want.
My last day of work was extremely busy, but my supervisor still managed to throw me a very nice retirement party. Lot’s of cards, cake, flowers, balloons, and laughter. A few tears too. You don’t work at a place for 20 years and not make longtime friends.
What do I plan to do with my time off? Everyone asked me that, all day long. I’ll tell you what I told them. I will probably plan a few trips, pay off a few bills, organize my drawers and closets, spend time with my grandchildren and take care of myself for a change. I will be more diligent about dentist appointments, vision check-ups, hearing aide replacements, physicals that I have put off, massages that I only dreamed about and a much-needed pedicure! I plan of finishing two of my novels and have been discussing with a publisher about combining five of my short stories into one book. I love that idea. I can’t wait to get two of my “WIP’s” into your hands and on the shelves of the bookstores. (WIP is works-in-progress).
Before you know it, I’ll be itching to go back to work. Doing something that is stress-free, easy and fun. I’m not ready to stop working, but I AM ready for something new.
I have to admit, it feels good to know that I was blessed with the opportunity to work for such a wonderful company for so many years. Liberty Mutual was with me through some very important and life-changing moments of my life. Here’s a heartfelt “thank you” to them.
I may not be able to see what’s around the next curve in the road, but I am confident that whatever it is, it will be great!
Just thinking out loud,
P
Pam Torres | Author 