Illustration by Drew Shannon
Never look back! Begin right away to find activities to fill your time, volunteer, travel (if that suits you) and foster old friendships and find new ones, too!
Liz Visentin
(District 13 Hamilton-Wentworth, Haldimand)
Retire “to” something. I immediately joined the Canadian Ski Patrol for the winter and worked at a golf course.
David Caruana
(District 24 Scarborough and East York)
Do what you love and what you haven’t had time to do.
Marie-Paule Landriault
(District 45 EstaRiO)
Figure out what you like to do, and realize that there may be a NEW way to do it in retirement.
Kathy Mack
(District 50 Atlantic)
I found the feeling of being retired truly liberating. The freedom to eat, sleep and do whatever I want at whatever time I desire gives me such pleasure and gratitude that I can enjoy this chapter of my life with health and happiness. This is finally the time to put yourself first.
Daniela Tanel-Gonzalez
(District 34 York Region)
Join interest groups, seniors’ groups; get involved in the church, the Legion. Volunteer for a cause you support. Get involved in politics.
Bonita O’Neill
(District 18 Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes)
Follow your passions. Continue learning new things. Try those things you had no time to explore while working. As the saying goes, just do it!
Marlene Castura
(District 13 Hamilton-Wentworth, Haldimand)
Be of service. If your service is considered valuable, don’t hesitate to make a profit from it. Plan ahead, a little bit. Make sure you always have something to look forward to (tonight’s ball game, next month’s visit to your daughter in Newfoundland).
John Mackenzie
(District 6 Parry Sound)
I am a new retiree, and this first year was an eye-opener. My advice to others and myself is to do at least one small thing on my to-do list each day and then do something for me. I have started doing that and am beginning to feel good about it. I think my main struggle is that I have no schedule!
Donna Lafrance
(District 32 Prescott-Russell)
Discover what is out there beyond the four walls of the classroom.
Pamela McCowan
(District 10 Bruce, Grey, Dufferin)
Let go of the past and accept what comes your way for volunteering, etc. Assess your skills and apply them to helping others.
Douglas G. Maunder
(District 34 York Region)
Go to events held by your district. Volunteer somewhere – anywhere!
Carolynne Paton
(District 12 Norfolk)
Ask yourself: “What have I not done and still want to do?” Then plan how to do it.
Joanne Braaksma
(District 27 Ottawa-Carleton)
Retire TO something, not just FROM something. Think beyond yourself. Help others and your own life will be enriched.
Janice Wasik
(District 42 Mainland British Columbia)
Get involved in something you always wanted to do but were unable to while teaching. And remember to take care of yourself.
Rosemary Cammaert
(District 21 Renfrew)
Continue to do things you enjoy, and try something that you have never tried before. DO NOT let anyone hold you back.
Christine Pickering
(District 23 North York)
