What a Difference a Year Makes

Time on my hands

Relaxing and doing OK

It has been 13 months since I said hasta la vista to the working world.  The days have not always been easy, and I have gone through many ups and downs.  It was hard leaving my job as I loved the company and the people I worked with, but my health was becoming compromised by the stress that I put mysef though. I also knew it was time to hand over the mantle to someone younger who could add new perspectives and skills to the workplace.  Yes, it was time. 


I began week one with a great attitude and many plans.   I "started" projects that had been on my "to do" list for years.  I found all the tops of my plastic containers, moved around stuff in the basement, and found the matches for many of hubby's socks.  The excitement was overwhelming.  When I told my son about my accomplishments in an e-mail, he suggested that I start a blog about this "fantastic life" I was now living.  I was a little hesitent because I knew nothing about this Blog World, but I thought I would give it a try.  It would be a new adventure and  an exercise for my mind. And, Lordy, Lordy, my mind really needed to exercise.  Who besides my family and some friends would read it anyway and they already knew about my little quirks.   


During the next few months, I began jogging, doing up to 8 miles in a day. However, it was my old obsessive self coming back.  Each day I wanted to go further than I had gone the day before and also, in the process, beat my time.  I was causing myself  to stress by doing something that was supposed to relieve stress.  Falling a few times also put a little crimp in my stride.

The winter was long and snowy and I had too much time to stew about things.  I  realized that having shiny clean floors was not going to do it for me. Then spring came around and it was gardening time.   I was sure things would be looking up but when you have all the time to do something you love, it is not as special as when you had to fit it in.   I was wondering if this was the way life was going to be from now on.

Retirement is a major event in life and some take to it much easier than others.  Mine was not an easy journey and I spent far too much time feeling down in the dumps and being whinny.  However, I think I needed to do that.  It was a death to the life I knew and I needed to grieve.  When I was done, I picked myself up and began what I hope will be a new beginning.  This new volunteer job I have is very fulfilling and gives me purpose.  My attitude has taken a 360 degree turn.    I have met new people and I really enjoy getting dressed up and going to a place where I can be of service.  I think I just needed to be needed.

As far as this blog is is concerned, little did I envision a year ago how many people from around the world would read my ramblings about nothing.  I have met (in the virtural world)  and corresponded with so many of you and my life has been enriched.  It truly has been a great adventure.  Thank you all.