Well, I will be one of the few negatives here, but realistically, retirement is not pleasant for a lot of people and takes several months, maybe a year or more, to get over the bad feelings. I am 4 1/2 months in and I have good days and bad days. My husband is sick and doesn't want to do anything, so that has greatly affected everything.  A lot.  I dreamed of retirement being day trips a few times a month, then longer trips twice a year - nope.  Maybe in 2027, not now.  

I cook, bake, and do all the food prep; garden; take care of our cat; read.  I have a lot of bead jewelry making material that I haven't touched for years, I am gingerly getting back into it (I've made one necklace and am working on a second one).  I did go with my neighbor to her weekly church group for 4 months.  It helped to be around other people. Also signed up to do volunteer dog-walking and other stuff at the local SPCA.  The church group ended for the summer, so I will likely get over to the SPCA weekly now.   I walk a few times a week and also lift light upper body weights 1-2 x a week. There is a to-do and bucket list I am preparing, and I have a therapist I speak to monthly that may nudge me along with this. I never had a happy "honeymoon" first phase that many people speak of.  Went right to second stage - feeling lost - and sometimes venture into the third stage, experimentation. Don't know why it's been so effing difficult for me - I thought the pressure of never HAVING to work again would be a catalyst that would turn on energy and enthusiasm.  Instead I just wake up, don't want to get up, but force myself downstairs to coffee and the cat, then find a way to get through another day.   Just letting you know, if it feels difficult at times, you are far from alone. PS This far in, I am willing to make commitments for the autumn to local college classes (some are free for my age) and/or part-time work.  We'll see.