We have probably all heard the old adage “Money is power,” and I would have to wholeheartedly agree that is true. While I would love to contemplate retirement and a life of leisure activities I love such as reading, bicycling, sewing, etc., it has finally become apparent to me that is not in my near future. I won’t say it was an epiphany because that sounds too dramatic for what occurred, but I finally realized that I cannot retire because I don’t have the power to do so. If I had a little cottage to welcome my children and have them stay awhile, I would be content. Even a two-bedroom apartment where I could have a dedicated guest room would suffice. Rent here for a one bedroom is not easy on my teacher salary and a two bedroom is a big stretch. Instead of thinking about retirement days, I need to shift my focus onto ways to make more money. Money is, indeed, power. It also can buy freedom and peace of mind. I am not looking for tons of money. That is not my need nor my intent, but today it became apparent that I am doing my family a disservice by coasting along on my teacher salary and spending my summers teaching summer school and lounging on the beach. It is a delightful dream and I tell myself I deserve some time to unwind after the school year and at my age, but I have been lollygagging along in an alternate reality and it is time I do what I need to do to have power over my life and what I want. Wish me luck.