Today marks the one-year anniversary of my retirement.
When I made the decision to retire, five months before the actual date, the only plan I'd made was a financial one. I'd given some thought to what I'd do with the rest of my life but hadn't reached any conclusions. All I knew for sure is that I wanted to spend more time at home with my dogs.
One year later I still have no plans. Maybe that's the true beauty of retirement.
These days, instead of waking to an alarm, I wake up to the subtle flapping of floppy ears or a nudge from a cold nose. My mornings are so much better than they used to be.
My days are filled with . . . I don't know, really. They're a jumble of all the things I like to do and not enough of the things I should do. The things that need to be done get done eventually, and very few of them have deadlines.
At the end of the day I read as late as I want, chapters instead of pages, until my eyes won't stay open. I go to sleep without worrying about how I'll feel the next day.
Honestly, this year has been like a deep, deep breath of fresh air, and it's passed about that quickly. I know there'll be a time when I'll want more structure in my life, when I'll feel a need for accomplishment again or a need to contribute my time to something that matters. But not just yet.
I may be traipsing down the garden path, but I'm smelling the heck out of the roses.
What a great post...I feel relaxed just reading it. I've not used a watch in years. It is really a wonderful way to live...just letting the day go by and doing what needs doing...or not.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your one-year anniversary!! :)
I am with Marion, I felt so relaxed reading this, thank you. I am so very happy for you! You deserve this, it is a blessing, enjoy!
ReplyDeleteSandy
I'm glad you're happy-I wondered if you'd miss your job after being retired a while. Do the dogs wake you up about the same time as your alarm used to-I wondered if they were used to you getting up at a certain time?
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary!Those are the very things I worry about knowing I need to find a job outside the home! So glad you are enjoying yourself. You deserve it!
ReplyDeleteLOVELY roses. I have several rose bushes and in my opinion, they are worth every bit of the babying they insist on.
ReplyDeleteMarion, I haven't used a watch in years either, even when I was working. If I was at home, at work, or in the car, I could look at the clock. If I was anywhere else, I didn't want the pressure.
ReplyDeleteSandy, I don't know about deserving it, but I'll agree it is a blessing.
Janet, sometimes the dogs wake up about the time we used to with the alarm, but we often go to bed much later now, so sometimes I even have to wake them up.
Holly, I hope your work situation straightens itself out soon. I know it's been unsettling for you.
Maria, the lovely roses, unfortunately, are not mine. I just smell them and photograph them when I'm lucky enough to find some.