If you’re truly retired, you’ll understand me when I ask, “How did I get everything done when I was working?” The never-ending list of “Must” and “Should” Do’s never comes to an end. Each day, the list seems to get longer. With no excuse to ignore these chores, on most days I find them to be boring. There must be some fun in life.
Without the ring of the morning school bell, my familiar schedule is gone. Free wheeling a day can be full of fun, or end up being a disoriented mess in which little is accomplished. As irretrievable minutes tick away, just what do I have to show for 2022? Lately, my sadness over the irretrievable past is foolish and is being replaced by new friends, schedules, hobbies, and activities.
Since my final entry into the world of retirement, I’ve needed to redesign the blueprints for the next phase of life. Desiring to rediscover my favorite activities and hobbies, I’ve been volunteering, while keeping up with family and friends. Writing has been a constant, but life holds more. I’m sure of that.
When VST died, a dense widow’s blurred my world. 2.5 years later, I’ve settled into a good life here at Winterpast. With a blank slate on which to write, both figuratively and literally, I’m finding myself. As you read this blog, please look to the archives. Grievinggardener.com began on September 24, 2000. It was the first piece of a structured life that has been my reason to get up at dark:30 almost every morning since. Writing was my cornerstone as I built a new life as a single woman.
Writing helped me keep things in perspective while I set goals and priorities. It kept me on track to accomplish tangible success. Words have explained what my journey has been like as with as much or little detail as I’ve chosen to share. With organization, a little thought, and zero money down, I started out on a literary journey that cradled my heart on many lonely nights. Writing allows my mind frolic freely in the meadow of new happiness while reminding me that I’m not yet free from life’s wilderness.
Since then, I schedule my day’s around writing. Being the most creative at 4 AM, my day begins there. Warm coffee in my cup and Oliver at my feet, the words flow the best when I’m in uninterrupted bliss. Later in the day, the desire to write gives way to the need for the next scheduled blog, robbing all enjoyment from the activity. Morning is the best time, not rest time. I have learned something important over the years. Leisurely weekends are needed to recharge the soul, body, and mind.
The priorities of living keep me centered. Some tasks need daily attention. To stay on track, I keep a daily schedule to make sure I’m not forgetting something important. In the beginning of widowhood, I’d list three important tasks per day. When those were completed, I’d add three more. Written in graphite, it was gratifying to see things marked off at the end of the day, even if there were only three.
The best part of being a retired widow/widower is that we are the CEO of our very own empire. The schedules and lists can change or be eliminated all together. There are some things that are just fun to dream about doing. Eliminate those dreams and hobbies you outgrow or don’t find enjoyable anymore, while trying something new once a month.
Long ago, I started playing with doll houses. At the time, life was chaotic and I didn’t really have the time for such things, but found such peace as I created little wonders. Recently, I started again. I’d forgotten how much fun I have making tiny little worlds from scraps of paper and wood. With guilty pleasure, I’ve been looking at the clock as I play away the day. An old hobby has come back into my life.
Whatever you do today, try to play a little bit. Anything counts, from a video game to a brisk walk outside or a grand game of fetch with the dog. Do something that makes you smile.
Things are now different than they were in the past
Knowing you don’t have to do anything fast.
Retirement’s a new stage in life,
Doing what you want with little grief or strife,
Enjoy your reprieve from the daily grind,
And embrace all the moments you’re sure to find. (Inspired by Sally Painter)
More tomorrow.