Finding Peace and Purpose After Retirement: A Personal Reflection
A New Chapter: Reflections on Life After Retirement
Recently, I went to the beach one evening, just before sunset. What captured my attention was a woman—about my age—standing in the water, gazing toward the horizon.
 |
| A Woman Gazing towards Horizon |
I quietly started filming her, wondering what she might be thinking. She reminded me of myself, just a year ago—walking along the same shoreline, uncertain about what was next: retirement. I had so many questions then, so many whys I couldn’t answer.
Hi, I’m Vera. It’s been just over a year since I retired and moved back to Canada after many years in the UK. This chapter of my life began with a lot of change—and not all of it was easy.
 |
| Heathrow Airport, my last flight |
 |
| In the sky |
I felt distant from loved ones. I didn’t have close friends nearby. It was a difficult and lonely start.
Still, I knew I didn’t want to stay stuck in that sadness. So I started small.
I created a daily routine with simple rituals that brought me peace: a quiet morning walk, a warm drink, a visit to a local event, or a walk in nature. And always, time for my crafts and activities.
 |
Hand-making fabric pumpkins |
 |
| My ritual: tea with candied ginger |
 |
| New Path, new Chapter |
 |
| Healing in Nature |
I stopped trying to be the example everyone should follow. I let go of fixing what I couldn’t control. And slowly, something beautiful happened…
I found a new kind of peace.
Over this past year, I’ve changed. I’m calmer. More patient. I no longer lose sleep over drama or things I can’t control. I’ve learned to let life unfold—naturally, without pressure.
I’m deeply grateful for what I have: my family, a roof over my head, food on the table, my health, a little money in the bank, and most of all—time. Precious time to enjoy the simple things.
Some relationships have started to heal. Others… are still a work in progress. But I’ve made peace with that.
I no longer wait for everything to be perfect. Instead, I focus on living well—whether or not all the pieces are in place.
There are still days when I feel guilty for not achieving everything I had planned. But really—what’s the rush?
Retirement isn’t a finish line. It’s a new rhythm. And I’m learning to move with it, one gentle step at a time.
If you’re beginning your own retirement or going through a big life change, know that it’s okay to begin again. Slowly. Quietly. In your own way.
Life is full of small moments—and they’re worth noticing.
 |
| Follow your Dreams |
Thank you for spending a few of your moments with me today. If you enjoy simple joys, creative projects, and reflections on frugal, fulfilling retirement living, I hope you’ll stay connected. Visit my YouTube Channel where you can find more about how I fill and enjoy my days in retirement
➡️https://www.youtube.com/@VerasSlowLivingDiaries
 |
| Celebrate The NOW If you enjoyed this post you might want to have a look at this one ⬇️⬇️⬇️ |
https://verasslowlivingdiaries.blogspot.com/2025/07/why-its-okay-to-treat-yourself.html
Finding Peace and Purpose After Retirement: A Personal Reflection
A New Chapter: Reflections on Life After Retirement
Recently, I went to the beach one evening, just before sunset. What captured my attention was a woman—about my age—standing in the water, gazing toward the horizon.
|
| A Woman Gazing towards Horizon |
I quietly started filming her, wondering what she might be thinking. She reminded me of myself, just a year ago—walking along the same shoreline, uncertain about what was next: retirement. I had so many questions then, so many whys I couldn’t answer.
Hi, I’m Vera. It’s been just over a year since I retired and moved back to Canada after many years in the UK. This chapter of my life began with a lot of change—and not all of it was easy.
|
| Heathrow Airport, my last flight |
|
| In the sky |
I felt distant from loved ones. I didn’t have close friends nearby. It was a difficult and lonely start.
Still, I knew I didn’t want to stay stuck in that sadness. So I started small.
I created a daily routine with simple rituals that brought me peace: a quiet morning walk, a warm drink, a visit to a local event, or a walk in nature. And always, time for my crafts and activities.
|
Hand-making fabric pumpkins |
|
| My ritual: tea with candied ginger |
|
| New Path, new Chapter |
|
| Healing in Nature |
I stopped trying to be the example everyone should follow. I let go of fixing what I couldn’t control. And slowly, something beautiful happened…
I found a new kind of peace.
Over this past year, I’ve changed. I’m calmer. More patient. I no longer lose sleep over drama or things I can’t control. I’ve learned to let life unfold—naturally, without pressure.
I’m deeply grateful for what I have: my family, a roof over my head, food on the table, my health, a little money in the bank, and most of all—time. Precious time to enjoy the simple things.
Some relationships have started to heal. Others… are still a work in progress. But I’ve made peace with that.
I no longer wait for everything to be perfect. Instead, I focus on living well—whether or not all the pieces are in place.
There are still days when I feel guilty for not achieving everything I had planned. But really—what’s the rush?
Retirement isn’t a finish line. It’s a new rhythm. And I’m learning to move with it, one gentle step at a time.
If you’re beginning your own retirement or going through a big life change, know that it’s okay to begin again. Slowly. Quietly. In your own way.
Life is full of small moments—and they’re worth noticing.
|
| Follow your Dreams |
Thank you for spending a few of your moments with me today. If you enjoy simple joys, creative projects, and reflections on frugal, fulfilling retirement living, I hope you’ll stay connected. Visit my YouTube Channel where you can find more about how I fill and enjoy my days in retirement
➡️https://www.youtube.com/@VerasSlowLivingDiaries
|
| Celebrate The NOW If you enjoyed this post you might want to have a look at this one ⬇️⬇️⬇️ |
https://verasslowlivingdiaries.blogspot.com/2025/07/why-its-okay-to-treat-yourself.html
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