I've been meeting with people for spiritual direction for over 30 years, during which time a good number of them have transitioned from the working world to retirement. Most have been ordaianed ministers, but not all, and this has given me a perspective on how I might carry out my own retirement, which began on January 1, 2026. Some had definite plans for, say, the first three months, then the next three, and so on. Others had general goals to pursue "whenever" . . . A strong percentage took the approach of retirement as a "seven-day weekend," or unlimited vacation time. Most continued to meet with me, though some took a break for awhile. This helped me gain a perspective on how these different practices worked out.

My situation is somewhat unique in that I do need to continue earning at least 25% of the income I'll need to offset expenses, and so there'll be no seven-day weekend approach taken. I am beginning to organize more days off -- maybe more four-day weekends, for example. But I'd characterize my situation as being self-employed part-time, with spiritual direction and a bit of Internet ministry keeping me busy enough and bringing in the income I need. Internet ministry for now consists primarily in continuing to offer A Daily Spiritual Seed (an outreach I began in 1997), the monthly forum on Christian Spirituality and occasional website updates.

I continue to be moderately active on social media, mostly Facebook, and I recently completed work on a new book, Ordinary Miracles: An Invitation to Wonder, which will be published by Liguori Publ. this fall. More on that in the weeks ahead.

Several people have asked if I miss going to the retreat center in Great Bend, and the answer is yes. Hearland Center for Spirituality was my home away from home for 28 years and I have many friends there. I intend to go over for a retreat/visit every so often. Cheyenne Bottoms -- a large freshwater marsh -- is only 15 in. from the retreat center and it's a marvelous place for wildlife, especially birds.

So things are more relaxed, overall, and there is more time for prayer, reading, Mass, birding, and whatever else I might like to do. Grandchild #9 was born to our son and his wife last week, so I'll be going to Springfield, MO to visit them at times.

I am still taking new spiritual directees, but that door will eventually close. See https://shalomplace.com/direction if interested.

If you have suggestions to offer on retirement lifestyle, I'm all ears.

Phil