Growing up years ago the word retirement meant that there would come a period of time when a person would be free to basically just relax and have no cares. However,I prefer to think of retirement as the ultimate promotion where one can do what she or he has desired but could not achieve because of other obligations. It is a time when opportunities abound, and life continues often in a more exhilarating and meaningful manner. If the time is coming when the formal movement from a profession or job is ending realize that it is just another phase, and perhaps one where you have more control. Sitting around waiting for the end is a poor alternative when there are new vistas to explore.