[Suzi]

I was you about a year ago. Worked so hard to break the glass ceiling that I didn't know what I would do with this retirement. I was very concerned that "just doing fun things" would be so frivolous compared to what I did during my working years. I wrote on TOTV and met a couple of women for lunch. I was still concerned so I did take a couple of TOTV suggestions.....and they worked:
1st No matter what I had to do in the home to organize, I took time everyday to go out and do something "I" wanted to do.....something fun. I met a large amount of very friendly women. They wanted to know where I was from, but not what I did so I could maintain anonymity. I began to "think" like a regular person and not the high-powered exec I was at work. No pretenses, no expectations. In my mind it started out like a game - one in which no one knew who or what I was......and then it became "normal".
2nd I took my time to do things. I didn't rush to do everything, every activity. If it sounded interesting, I would join in. If not, I didn't. Women are so pleasant here that they don't get hurt if you decline.
3rd I frequently took time to have a coffee and people-watch. Went to Starbucks and just sat and watched couples, other women, sports groups and watched their interactions. Very informative and calming. Day by day I began to feel more comfortable with my new role. I see other women just like me and they are happy and satisfied.

I, too, thought I would need to seek professional help, but NO, I actually found my "place" rather easily. It was not nearly as painful as I had conjured-up in my head. I actually have learned to not sweat the small stuff.....if it doesn't get done today - there is tomorrow. That is truly an "about-face" from my previous life. And it FEELS GREAT and I feel HEALTHY.

Good luck to you as you explore this next part of your life and find the things that make you happy.