Well, I am not retired YET, but in 3 years I can retire from my 9 to 5. So I wanted to share how I plan on spending my days when I don’t have that daily grind.

For 25 years now I have been working, planning, and dreaming of retirement. And when it finally begins—and I’m determined to enjoy every minute of it. No more early meetings, no more rushed lunches, no more weekends lost to work stress. Every day will be mine to shape, and I carved out a routine that will balance movement, creativity, and a little hustle. Here’s how I plan on spending that new chapter of life.

Mornings on the Southwest Trail

Each day will start with something that clears my head and gets my body moving: a ride down the Southwest Trail. If you haven’t seen my review videos of it and what the trail is all about then see the video below. It will the perfect way to begin—quiet, scenic, and just challenging enough to remind me I’m alive and still kicking. The fresh air, the rhythm of the wheels on the pavement, and the peace of an early morning ride will be my favorite kind of meditation. It will set the tone for the rest of the day: focused, steady, and open to whatever comes. As time allows, I will make more videos where I show you the trail.

Writing My Novel

After my ride, it’ll be time to chase a different kind of dream. I will finally have time to write the novel that’s been living in my head for years. No more saying “someday.” I will brew some coffee, sit down at my desk, and dive into the world I’m creating. Some days I know the words will flow easily; other days they won’t. But I’m going to show up anyway. There’s something deeply satisfying about building a story one page at a time. It’s work—but it’ll be the kind I love. Here is a video I did in April 2024 that has only gotten 18 views on Youtube.

A Quick Scroll Through Social Media and playing Catch-Up

Mid-morning, I’ll take a break and catch up on the world. I check my social media—not obsessively, but just enough to stay connected. It’ll fun to see what friends are up to, write a blogpost her on my wordpress site for a quick update, and maybe post a photo from the trail or a snapshot of my writing nook. I’ll try not to let it take over my day, but it’ll be a nice way to stay plugged in.

Treasure Hunting for My Flea Market Booth

One of my more expected retirement joys will be hunting for things to resell at a flea market booth. I don’t know where that will be yet, whether it will be an actual location or online, but I will hit thrift stores, estate sales, and garage sales with a sharp eye and a bit of intuition. It’s part scavenger hunt, part business. I love the thrill of finding something unique and giving it new life. Plus, it keeps a little money flowing—and gives me a reason to dig through old boxes and bargain with strangers or make new friends.

Cooking, Cleaning, and Enjoying the Simple Stuff

The evenings will be more relaxed. I plan on spending time in the kitchen, trying out recipes I never had time for before. Some days it might just be a sandwich and soup; other days, I go all out. I will also make time to clean up, keep the house in shape, and appreciate the slower pace. It will feel good to take care of my space and myself without rushing.

Retirement doesn’t mean doing nothing. For me, it will mean doing more of what I love—on my own terms (without a boss).