Peter.
Now approaching my fifth month of retirement I have discovered that you cannot fully prepare for it.
The first month was like an extended holiday.
Now it's different. The pace of my life has slowed...but to a welcome extent.
Small pleasures have become a delight.
I reflect a lot. Positively .
And dream a bit too.
Sometimes of a Plus8 !
So. In my limited experience - as so much in life, you just have to go for it!