WHILE some people may dread the free time that retirement brings, Patricia Reid Waugh has used it to her advantage.

Besides writing a book six years into retirement, the 69-year-old has learned to play the violin. Both achievements were on display at the launch of her book Retirement: A New Adventure recently at Waterfalls, Liguanea, St Andrew.

Reid-Waugh, who is no stranger to playing instruments, plays the piano and performs poetry.

The book, which is more of a manual for retirement, took the former Calabar High School mathematics teacher, chartered accountant and financial wiz nine months to pen.

According to Reid-Waugh, the book encourages and highlights activities that retirees can participate in to keep active.

Besides mentoring, volunteering and inspiring, the book encourages retirees to engage with the Internet, make music, tell stories, and travel.

Among those who turned out to support Reid-Waugh were Caribbean Community of Retired Persons Chief Executive Officer Jean Lowrie-Chin, Dr Lelieth Nelson, Poet Laurete Professor Mervyn Morris, and members of the Calabar Old Boy’s Association.

Guest Speaker Dr Nsombi Jaja encouraged retirees to empower themselves.

“Pat has given us so many ways in this book. Look at dis yah woman a play violin inna dis yah stage inna her life. The good thing about Pat is that she no just write — you know, some people who just talk, talk, talk… Pat says she is demonstrating in the book because every single chapter in the book is her own experiences,” Jaja said, adding that retirees should express themselves radiantly.

Jaja also urged them to value themselves gratefully. “In fact, over the years you may put on some pounds in areas that you don’t ‘wanted’ and when you look down the first thing you see is not your toes. Accept yourself gratefully, because if you accepts yourself gratefully, think of where your spirit would be, and it is the quality of your spirit that you carry throughout the day will make a big difference.”

In addition to that she implored retirees to value themselves, forgive themselves completely, forgive others, treat themselves generously, and balance themselves harmoniously.

Lowrie-Chin, in bringing greetings, said that it is important to raise awareness for retirement.

Lowrie Chin, who is also an author, said that she was impressed with the book.

Dr Lilieth Nelson, during her walk-through of the book, said that the author takes the reader on an enriching journey of retirement. Nelson also revealed that the book highlights the author’s personality and passion.

In response, Reid-Waugh said that it was not easy to write a book, but said it was one of the most satisfying things that she had ever done in her life.

“When they sent me the author’s copy and I looked at it, what came out of my mounth was ‘oh, my baby’,” she said.

The author said she was inspired to write the book after participating in a publishing workshop while she was on retirement.

She added that after the two-day workshop, she was asked if she was to write a book what would it be? ‘Retirement A New Adventure’ she recalled writing.

The author, while expressing gratitude to many, dedicated the book to her parents.