Today marks one full year of retirement — and I still can hardly believe it. The time has flown by in the most surprising way.

When I first retired, I was carrying an extra 100 pounds and felt absolutely terrible. My knees hurt so badly that I dreaded getting out of my chair. Some mornings I could barely find the will to get out of bed. I felt old, worn down, and honestly wondered if my best days were behind me.The first few weeks were mostly about sleep — deep, restorative sleep I hadn’t realized I so desperately needed.

Once I was rested, I started making small but consistent changes: eating better, moving more gently, and showing up for AquaFit classes at the pool. I’ve now lost 50 pounds. My knees still get stiff and sore sometimes, but I’m moving so much better than before. I go to the gym pool three times a week and to a painting class once a week. Since I started eating more fermented foods, my mind feels clearer and I’m genuinely happier most days.

I also challenged myself by taking a genealogy course at Boston University. It wasn’t the smoothest experience, but I did learn a lot — enough to trace one family line all the way back to the 1200s. Now I’m excited to keep filling in the details and stories.

I’ve been enjoying a subscription to Texas Monthly. The writing is excellent (which is rarer than it should be these days), the reporting is deep and thoughtful, and I especially look forward to their true crime pieces.

I’ll admit there are still occasional moments when I feel a little bored, but they pass. What I don’t feel is any regret about leaving work behind. Retirement, even with its quiet rhythms, has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’m healthier, lighter, more curious, and finally getting to live life on my own terms.Here’s to year two.