Fear of Change: A Normal Part of Retirement
You know how we metaphorically refer to transitions as “leaving the nest?” Well, this past weekend I had the opportunity to see “our” birds leave their nest. Literally.
Of course, the birds weren’t technically ours. They were a family of wrens who camped out for the summer in a gourd we hung on our deck (pictured above). But still, after spending a summer watching them build their nest and capture bugs for their babies, they sure felt like part of the Collamer family. Witnessing them take flight was a rare treat; one that I doubt I’ll ever be lucky enough to see again. And as I watched them leave the nest, I couldn’t help but observe that their departure offered a lesson about transitions that applies to us all:
THE PROMPT: The nest no longer fit. What started out as roomy digs became tight as the birds grew. Just like humans outgrow their jobs over time, so too the birds found their once comfortable home no longer worked for their needs.
THE PREP: The babies started squawking loudly and making their presence known. A few days before taking flight, the birds began to poke their heads out tentatively in order to survey their surroundings. Just like humans typically complain and explore options before deciding it’s time to move on.
THE PROCESS: On departure day, the birds exited the nest one-by-one, while mama kept a watchful eye from a nearby branch. The stronger bird left first. He slowly wiggled through the hole, carefully made his way to the edge, looked around nervously, and then proceeded to fall – before flapping his wings furiously and taking off. The next bird went through the same routine, but stumbled even more dramatically. In fact, I’m quite sure he hit the grass before recovering and flying off.
And that brings me back to the lesson about transition. I always thought birds gracefully soared out of the nest when ready. But clearly I was wrong.
Change is messy:
It is awkward.
It is scary.
It is intimidating.
And that’s true whether you are a fine-feathered bird or a gray-haired human. Whenever you try something new, it is pretty much guaranteed that you will stumble before you fly.
So take comfort in the laws of nature. As you transition from work to retirement, know that your fears and missteps are all part of a very natural process. And remember that over time, and by putting your natural gifts to good use, you too will take flight.
P.S. If you happen to see a family of four loud wrens flying overhead, please tell them we miss them.
