Love these additional thoughts.
Agree oldfort- when I compare this stage to others, it’s sooo much easier - no more stress of young kids/teens, no more caring for elderly parents-in-great-need, have some money saved, a bit less career stress since I understand the fundamentals of my job and am looking toward a transitional period of working less, etc.
But like mom60 I’m a bit of an introvert. While my husband has been traveling I’ve been quite content at home with hot cocoa reading books. While that’s a good realization - I can see where that tendency could move slowly into isolation and missing out on some joy/adventure - particularly if (as I will someday) took my job out of the equation - with all its sociability, goals, and structure.
I do like the idea of ‘it’s our time’ at this stage - most of us are fortunate to be able to write the next chapter to a certain degree.
I’m also cognizant that this is a position of exceptional good fortune (and could change at any time via health issues, family concerns, financial reversals, etc.).
Just want to be intentional. Some wonderful ideas here. The volunteer concept has somehow really cheered me!