Kingsport Spirit

It’s hard to believe it’s been six years since I retired! But to me, retirement isn’t about slowing down—it’s about “refiring.” It’s not about sitting on the couch but finding fulfillment in meaningful work. After all, you gain so much knowledge and experience over a career—it would be a shame to let it go to waste. The difference now is that I set my own pace.

I aim to accomplish at least one meaningful thing each day—sometimes more, sometimes less. I also make sure to budget plenty of downtime. Interestingly, I rarely turn on the TV anymore, which has been a real boost for my mental well-being.

Here’s a snapshot of the last 30 days:

• Wrote eight blog posts for KingsportSpirit.com
• Published three articles in the local newspaper
• Participated in a podcast showcasing the financial and quality-of-life benefits of living in Kingsport and Northeast Tennessee
• Met with two corporate recruits considering a move to Kingsport
• Took part in an in-depth planning session for a homeless shelter
• Collaborated on a project commemorating the 250th anniversary of Daniel Boone blazing the Wilderness Trail through our region
• Welcomed dental students on their UT rotation and shared insights on life in Kingsport and Northeast Tennessee
• Spoke to a two-hour class at ETSU’s Kingsport Alliance for Continued Learning
• Gave a talk to a Garden Club about the evolution of Kingsport’s neighborhoods
• Attended my grandnieces’ competition hoping to make them feel special and got to catch up with my niece
• Compiled cost-of-living comparisons for an initiative aimed at attracting diverse teachers to Northeast Tennessee
• Delivered Meals on Wheels
• Enjoyed a long weekend at the beach
• Provided regional housing research for a company evaluating multiple East Tennessee counties
• Stayed on top of my health with doctor’s appointments, check-ups, and follow-ups
• Contributed to discussions on promoting positive communication about the great things happening in Kingsport
• Attended a meeting of the Friends of the Archives to plan the upcoming spring lecture
• Prepared Move to Kingsport monthly reports for sponsors and the Chamber board
• Met Knoxville family members for lunch
• Participated in a multi-hour call with consultants developing Kingsport’s Comprehensive Plan
• Completed a virtual meeting with the State of Tennessee Comptroller’s Office, reviewing more than 50 pages in preparation
• Conducted a deep dive into genealogy, compiling a 40-page report for a dear friend
• Took part in the Kingsport City Schools Foundation, where thousands of dollars were awarded to teachers for innovative classroom projects
• Participated in the Kingsport Community Foundation, awarding funds to initiatives like Bays Mountain, the public library, and Second Harvest Food Bank
• Attended a funeral to support a lifelong friend who lost her brother who was about my age—a sobering reminder of how precious time truly is

I don’t share any of this to seek recognition or thanks. My hope is to inspire others—to show that in Life 2.0, you can still make a difference. There’s a unique joy in doing something simply because you want to, not because you’re paid to. When you remove the paycheck from the equation, you realize what truly matters to you.

Retirement isn’t about doing nothing—it’s about doing what matters. And for me, that means staying engaged, giving back, and making every day count.