Six months in

Last week felt like a significant milestone for me: it marked six months from the day I retired; I (together with colleagues) completed and submitted our latest Triennial Review of Serious Case Reviews; I received my last payslip from the University of Warwick; and the University decided to award me an emeritus professorship.

A friend asked me what that meant exactly and I replied,

‘It means I can pretend to be old and wise, impress other people with my amazing credentials, and carry on doing what I love doing. More importantly, it means I can continue to access the university library. And it means the University can continue to get credit for any academic work I do without having to pay me, so a win-win situation for all.’

I thought, though, that perhaps I should look up what it really means, and this is what I found:

emeritus adj. honourably discharged from the performance of public duty [latin ē signifying completeness and merērī, to deserve]

professor n. one who professes [latin prō, publicly, fatērī, to confess]

So I am now officially (and, I trust, honourably) discharged from my former duties in the NHS and University, and free (I presume) to publicly confess whatever I like (any suggestions of what that should be will be very welcome).

So what now? Am I any different? Has my life changed either now or over the past six months?

It seems to me that retirement is more a process than an event, and more a transition than an ending.

Pretty soon after retiring, Lois and I headed off to Asia and New Zealand to spend time with her family and enjoy some laid back rest and relaxation – a retuning of sorts. Since returning to the UK in January, I have gradually been adjusting my routines, carrying on with a few ongoing commitments, taking on some new projects, and enjoying the freedom to be more flexible, focused and fulfilled.

I have enjoyed being able to choose each day what to do with the day. I have loved getting stuck into writing and research, with new and inspiring projects. I have valued having time to spend with Lois in the garden, going for walks, and some inspiring trips. And I have been privileged to accompany others on their spiritual journeys through retreats and ongoing spiritual direction.

So it is with a sense of ongoing fulfilment that I continue my journey into this new phase of life. And I shall look forward to waking up tomorrow morning and deciding what I’d most enjoy doing…