Routine

I'm a very disciplined girl when it comes to eating. As we get older our metabolism slows down and the weight comes on faster and is harder to eliminate afterwards. I end up walking between 8 and 10 km per day all done before noon and eat healthy with some indulgences here and there. 

It's pretty much move in the morning and do the more sedate things in the afternoon. I have gone back to painting and music creation and piano playing never went away after starting at age 10 with my father's tutoring. One day I may add some other element to my arsenal but this is enough for now. 

Replacing a work routine isn't just about hobbies but about defining who you are besides an employee and a parent which many people don't reflect on and sometimes end up having a mini crisis of identity at retirement. 

I have a solid circle of friends who I see regularly (many of whom don't know my gender history) and this way I fulfill my need for human interaction. As a recovered shy person, I also have a penchant to striking up conversations with strangers which resulted in befriending and adding some of them to my inner circle. 

This work all began years ago before I retired and had I failed to do so I would be a bit lost today. As an older transgender person with years of denial and resistance behind me, this effort became all the more crucial. 

I tell everyone I know to do their prep in advance before stepping off that hamster wheel.