It's been a little over two months since I moved to Sarasota, Florida. After living and working in southeastern Michigan for 34 years, I wanted to return to my southern roots. You see, I grew up in the small town of Monroe, Louisiana. But having no relatives there, I was not drawn to Monroe as a retirement destination.
I was looking for the Gulf beaches, and a moderate to warm temperature year-round. After checking out many library books, and spending many hours online, I chose Sarasota.
And, moving out of my comfort zone, I made a relatively quick decision to move. I am a very slow and methodical person, who can make a long project when making a decision, so this was extremely unusual for me to act so quickly. Over 40 years of stuff belonging to my parents, my daughter and me had to be sorted, donated, trashed, or packed. A condo full of furniture was donated, sold, or shipped. And all this was done in 6 weeks.
Regrets? None. The downsizing was inevitable and necessary. I feel lighter, less weighed down by "stuff." Some "stuff" that I had held onto for decades, like hundreds of pairs of shoes, dozens of suits, many sets of china, kitchen gadgets, and hundreds (if not a thousand) books were put in a more appropriate perspective for the lifestyle to which I am aspiring in my golden years. Lightening my load has lifted a weight off my shoulders. I feel more freedom than I have felt in years.
I aspire that my golden years will be spent writing and traveling. And spending many a sunny day at Siesta Key, rated the #1 Beach in the USA.
Life is Golden...
