Welcome to my retirement website, where I share some thoughts about transitioning from a busy legal career to full-time retirement. Just like navigating a winding road on a bicycle, in my case, I found it helps to lean into the twists and turns of the landscape.
Three key guideposts that emerged are: keeping fit, exploring new activities with passion, and remaining curious.
Each individual's journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. If retirement holds little or no attraction,
continuing to work may be the best fit. There is nothing wrong with riding into the sunset with your boots on. It worked for my father.
Reflecting on my own situation, I first grappled with finances, managing unstructured time, and adjusting to a new identity apart from my profession. Despite these challenges, a siren's call to explore new horizons ultimately prevailed.
During my professional life, by turns, I was a corporate lawyer with a prominent Silicon Valley firm, a criminal defense and immigration law first in a small firm and then as a sole practitioner, and was even, for a time, a computer developer for innovative online efiling and Internet security technologies. (For more information about my professional life, please visit this LinkedIn page).
Please allow me to share some of my retirement story. As I began retirement, I embraced new activities such as Tai Chi, visual arts, writing, and cooking, which not only enriched my life but also led to unexpected new adventures. After several years of Tai Chi classes, and many hours of practice, I competed in the Senior Olympics. The hard work paid off. I was awarded gold medals, which was unexpected. I also discovered that Tai Chi is unparalleled for balance, health and a feeling of calmness.
I experimented with digital painting and writing, both of which I had never before tried or imagined myself doing. Through dedicated effort and increasing mastery, I published a number of memoirs and childrens' books, and produced a number of pieces of artwork, generated almost exclusively through use of computers and finished off with actual paints and brushes. Additionally I spent considerable time in 2023 experimenting with generative AI to create images and to improve attempts at fictional writing.
Currently I am in the process of writing a series of historical novels based on true life events from 19th century southern Arizona history.
Cooking has become a recent passion, where an early childhood love for mixing things up and changing them with a chemistry set has also developed into doing something similar with tasty rewards.
Retirement has also been immeasurably enriched by the companionship my wife and soul mate, Harriet. We happily spend a great deal of time together, walking several miles each morning and doing many things together and we enjoy doing things with and for our children and grandchildren.
As a reader, I like many different genres, particularly historical fiction, Westerns, and science fiction.
Hiking in the southwestern desert (where I live) is a source of inspiration and renewal.
Recent scientific advancements to enhance longevity and quality of life have increasingly captured my attention. Under medical supervision, I have begun taking doses of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN). This compound has been the subject of intense double-blind studies of animals and other species (except humans) conducted over the past 30 years by the scientific community, resulting in proof that it can extend life spans of yeast, mice and other life forms. I have experienced remarkable results personally that I think could enlighten others, but rigorous scientific studies involving people are yet to be conducted, and there are patent and regulatory complications.
I hope to be of assistance to those who may be embarking on their own retirement or contemplating the possibilities that lie ahead, bearing in that each individual's path is unique, and filled with opportunities for unique growth, exploration, and fulfillment.
Do you have retirement accomplishments, goals, or insights that you would like to share? Or concerns about retiring you could use help with? Please send me an email and become part of an ongoing discussion. Please let me know if you are comfortable with me sharing your ideas with others via this website, and if so, please grant me permission to do so. Until then, happy retirement!
Retirement Writing Activities
Art Exhibitions
2018
Solo Exhibition Johrei Institute
Tucson, Arizona
2023
Featured Artist
Tohono Chul "Water" Exhibition
Tucson, Arizona
Tai Chi Competitions
2016-17
Gold Medalist
Senior Olympics
Phoenix, Arizona
