Trying On Retirement By Spending A Week Learning French in Provence

Lately I’ve been imagining what retirement might feel like. Would it be a blissful escape from deadlines and duty, or would I find myself restless, missing the structure and purpose of work? Rather than wait for the “someday” of retirement, I decided to try it on for size—by spending a week in Provence.

Provence has always been on my “someday” list. Lavender fields, sun-drenched villages, leisurely lunches, and the gentle rhythm of French life—what better place to test-drive the next chapter?

I met my travel and learning companions at dinner Sunday night. Eight of us, plus Salima and her husband Phillippe.  Our days were a combination of lessons in the morning, delicious, lingering lunches followed by visits to various chateaus, museums, markets. We were outside in the beautiful sunshine, walking as much as possible.

At first it felt like I was skipping school. But as the days passed, I noticed my shoulders drop and my breath deepen. I was, at last, slowing down and just enjoying the passing moments.

I realized how much of my regular life is spent rushing from one thing to the next, rarely savoring the moment. Here, time felt abundant.

Try this ONE thing

If you’re dreaming of retirement, or just a slower, more intentional life, try this: carve out a “retirement rehearsal” week (or weekend) for yourself. Leave your to-do list behind and let each day unfold.

 

Want to experience coaching? I like to start with a deep, get-to-know-you conversation to see if we are right for each other. Sometimes we talk for one or two hours at no charge. I have no goal except to bring about transformation. Together we work on the lies, the self-deception, the fears of the power you perceive to be outside yourself. We work on your on your difficulties in making decisions and your inability thus far to make bold choices in life and to follow through and trust yourself completely to do so.

The irony for some people is that the very thing that they want the coaching for (an indecisive, half-hearted life) is what’s keeping them from deciding whether to get coaching.

When you’re ready, reach out @ karen.laidlaw.theONEthing@outlook.com. Meanwhile, enjoy the blog!