10 Things I Stopped Apologizing for After Retirement

I once apologized to a chair. I bumped into it, and “sorry” came out before I could stop it.

If you’re a woman of a certain age, I suspect you’ve done something similar. We apologized for interrupting, for asking questions, for taking up space in meetings. After 30-plus years in corporate life, “sorry” was practically my middle name.

When I took early retirement at 58, something shifted. Without a boss, a performance review, or a packed calendar, I started noticing how often I apologized for simply being me.

So I made a list. Here are 10 things I’ve officially stopped apologizing for. Feel free to borrow any of them.

1. Eating Dinner Before Sundown

Call it the early bird special. I call it digesting before bedtime. My stomach doesn’t care what time the cool restaurants open.

Turns out the early birds were onto something. Eating earlier works with your body’s internal clock and gives it time to digest before bed.

For women in midlife, this matters even more. As estrogen declines, blood sugar and sleep can get trickier. The research is still evolving, but as a metabolic coach, I’ve seen many women sleep better and wake up less bloated with an earlier cutoff.

Curious how meal timing could work for your body? Reach out to me. I’d love to help.

So I close the kitchen before sundown. No apology required.

2. Not Answering the Phone

A ringing phone is an invitation, not a summons. If it’s important, they’ll leave a message. If it’s a spam call about my car’s extended warranty, they definitely will.

3. Wearing the Same Comfortable Shoes Every Day

I spent decades in heels that pinched. My feet have earned their retirement, too. Comfortable and still cute is now my signature style.

4. Changing My Mind

I used to think changing my mind looked weak. Now I see it as growth. New information, new feelings, new decisions. That’s not flaky. That’s wisdom.

5. Needing a Day to Recover After a Big Event

A conference, a wedding, a holiday, a weekend with the grandkids. I love them all, and I need a quiet day afterward. Planning for rest is smart, not lazy.

6. Taking Up Space

In meetings, in conversations, in the middle of the dance floor. I have 30-plus years of experience and opinions to match. I no longer shrink to make others comfortable.

7. Asking “Dumb” Questions

There’s no prize for pretending you understand the new streaming remote. I ask. Usually, someone else in the room was wondering the same thing and is grateful I spoke up.

8. Leaving the Party Early

The Irish goodbye has become one of my favorite moves. I had a lovely time, I hugged the host, and now I’d like to be home in my pajamas by nine.

9. Spending Money on Experiences

Cooking classes, concerts, a weekend getaway with my family and friends. I’d rather collect memories than more stuff to dust. Within my budget, of course, but without the guilt.

10. Starting Something New “at My Age”

This is the big one. People sometimes raise an eyebrow when a woman over 55 launches a business, takes up a sport, or goes back to school.

I started multiple businesses including my coaching business after retirement. I’ve learned new technology, new skills, and plenty of humility along the way. Second chapters aren’t a consolation prize. They’re often the best part of the book.

Retire the Reflexive “Sorry”

Apologies matter when we’ve truly hurt someone. But apologizing for our needs, our preferences, and our dreams? That habit deserves a retirement party of its own.

If you’re ready to explore what your next chapter could look like, I’d love to help. You can book a free Find Your Fizz Breakthrough Call.

Now It’s Your Turn:

What have you stopped apologizing for? Which item on this list made you laugh, or wince, in recognition? And what would you add as number 11?