Inheriting Time
The prospect of my time truly being my own is unbelievably liberating, but at the same time just a little scary. It’s like that feeling of looking at a totally blank screen and being told you can write whatever you want.
Since I was 18 years old I have worked anywhere from 20 to 60 hours a week. Work has taken up a big chunk of my time. I have been able to postpone or not do things because I had this excuse of work.
Last Friday was a trial balloon for me. I woke up with a slightly allergic headache and called in sick. That mean 9 hours of unscheduled time. I had no problem in figuring out what to do with it. I also didn’t get out of my pajamas until 5:00 in the afternoon. That part will need to change.
I found myself wondering today if I would develop a pattern to my day – perhaps
Get up
Exercise
Breakfast with the newspaper
Write in my Blog
Play with the dogs outside or take them for a walk
Practice piano
Read my book club book
Optionally:
Meet a friend for lunch
Take a bike ride
Visit a museum
Clean some part of the house
Plan a trip
Volunteer in some capacity
I want to make sure that whatever “schedule” I come up with is subject to change on short notice or no notice at all, perhaps just on a whim.
I do want to make sure I don’t go around looking like a slob all day long even if I don’t need to leave the house.
This transition is going to be interesting. It can really only happen when I am free from the current work dilemmas that at least now have a date for closure. When I can put that era of my life in deep storage, I can finally move on more pleasant thoughts like how to use all the free time I suddenly have at my disposal.
We humans struggle with transition, but I think this will be one that can only improve my quality of LIFE!
posted by Barbara at 9:17 AM
11 Comments:
You are doing what I have been doing. Trying to make a plan for days so that so that 4 o'clock in the afternoon doesn't find me still in my bathrobe. But absolutely "right on" is the idea to allow yourself deviations in that plan for: "The museum has a traveling Matisse exhibit; I'll call Pat and see if she wants to go today." Such a wonderful time this is and to think that many people feel intensely crazed by the idea of retirement!
I deleted that 2nd "so that" but it didn't take.
:(
Being so used to a 9-5 routine, it is hard to function when an unexpected day off happens. I catch myself sitting around all day watching crap television.
And those days go by too quickly, like a Sunday.
Kate -- We will definitely have to stay in touch even though you will be in Arizona and I will be here. I think spontaneity will be the name of the game!
GoldenSilence -- I will know I have failed when one day is just like any other and I can't tell a Sunday from a Thursday any longer. That's why I think just a little bit of a routine is necessary so time doesn't just become a continuum punctuated by 3 meals a day and a night's sleep. You are so right!
There are a ton of volunteer things out there! I always thought it would be neat to take the hospice trainimg although my emotions may be a little fragile for that. I love helping at school or doing library readings for kids.
Joining a few choirs, exercising, going to various appointments, reading the paper and books, cooking, cleaning, and resting...and a little TV...the day goes by quickly for me...oh yeah...blogging! How could I forget!
you may even want to take a course - e.g at TM or elsewhere. Or another book club. Endless possibilities. Plus, of course, enhancing your already considerable culinary skills :-)
The idea of a blank slate really appeals to me. who knows what wonders will arise once your time is all your own. It's going to be FUN!!
I've caught up on all that I have missed. I think that you will have a good time, but one thing is now you can add some sleep to your schedule!
The "schedule" sounds devine. I'd imagine, in your same position, I'd find myself doing even more than the I do with a 9-5 (or 8-7) schedule. I have trouble "relaxing."
If you get to a point where you wish you had something concrete to do, we can trade places for a few days and you'll remember why you retired. I'll join the ranks in another 6 years. Meanwhile, I'll enjoy your retirement vicariously :)
Yes, transitions are a struggle, but it's only by going past the boundaries that discoveries can be made.
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