A friend of mine writes a “three good things” post on Facebook. At first, she did this as she began treatment for breast cancer. Now that she has finished some of her treatment, she continues the practice. So, on this Thursday, I am going to write about three things in my life right now.

1. Retirement: On June 12, I officially retired from teaching after 43 years. It took me all summer to adjust to the idea, even when I started having those back-to-school dreams at the end of July. I even woke up early on the first day of school. However, I can say that I am enjoying the freedom of retirement and though I had not planned to retire on June 12, I am glad the decision was made.
2. Writing: I have said for years, “I am writing a book.” Well, I am writing a book. I’m ten chapters in since I started in July. I have a group of reviewers who give me feedback. Although I have days when I do not write, I am being productive and not giving up on the project. I am enjoying the process.
3. Photography: When I was in third grade, someone told me I’d never be an artist in spite of the fact that I longed to create something beautiful. My friend Debra could draw such beautiful horses that looked like horses, but no one could tell whether I drew a horse or a dog or some mythical creature that had not yet been imagined. When I was in middle school, I was equally hopeless during the nine weeks we had art as one of our enrichment rotations. I was given a camera for Christmas in my junior year to use on my school trip to Quebec City with the French Club. I loved it. Now, I have my third digital DSLR; I can use Lightroom and Photoshop to edit photos, and I am an artist through my photography.

My three good things this week are new ways of seeing myself, not as a failure or “has-been,” but as someone who is entering a new phase of life, who is growing. If I am aging, I will claim that I am aging like fine wine; I will just keep getting better as the years pass.