Embracing Gray (hair)

“YOU CAN’T START THE NEXT CHAPTER OF YOUR LIFE IF YOU KEEP RE-READING THE LAST ONE”
Unknown Author

The gray hair transition

While on a ski trip in February of my first year in semi-retirement, I had an epiphany – and no longer wanted to dye my hair after doing so for the past 20 years or so. At first, it seemed like a great idea and would save me a boat load of money. I wore thick head bands initially to cover the gray hair during the transition. Then, as the gray hairs started invading my head, and the head bands were no longer thick enough to cover the gray, my insecurities started invading my head. Would I ever be attractive to a man again? Do people think I am older than I really am, or at least, older than I feel? Was I ready for “Grandma”? Was I ready to accept (embrace) getting old? Although I am completely gray now, it is still a shock sometimes to see my reflection in the mirror. Embracing my gray hair is a work in progress but I hope as I learn and grow spiritually, I will accept myself and people will look past the gray and see my inward youth and beauty!

My friend Amy gave me a cute cut

Part-time work at REI

What does semi-retirement look like? At 60 years old and an empty-nester, I left my job at REI headquarters in Seattle, Washington as a finance professional, sold my home and moved to Portland, Oregon in to an apartment. I gave up a two hour commute to work one-way and now work part-time at the REI retail store located in downtown Portland. I went from a 2200 sq. ft. home to a one bedroom apartment. Purging my “stuff” was very difficult, although, now I look around my apartment and know everything in it is very special. REI is a great company to work as a full-time professional or part-time. They encourage employees to breath their motto: “A life lived outdoors is a life well lived”. I love working as a cashier in the Portland store now and hearing about our customers and members great experiences in the outdoors. It is wonderful to work for an organization where their goals & passions align with my own. Part-time work has also afforded me the TIME to experience so many ADVENTURES outdoors doing the things I love . . . while I still can!! (See ADVENTURES post)