The normal things you hear about retirement are stuff like “winding down” “kicking back” or “travel and leisure”. Sometimes you get “I’ll be tinkering with this and that but nothing serious” or “I’m going to do a lot more reading or take up gardening or gone fishing”. The strange thing is as each day passes now I feel the opposite.
I’ve looked at the limited time that life will provide me and the good health I’m blessed with now will fade and my abilities weaken. My mind won’t be as sharp, my body will be slowed. And I have so much to do and accomplish and share before those things limit me so that it’s too difficult to continue.
Oh yes, I might spend a few minutes in the hammock during the summer that I would have been at the job working but they will be minimal. I’d really like to learn my new crafts and hobbies and create something for family, friends, and strangers that might be enjoyed. And if nobody does I’ll just enjoy the journey.
I want to spend time talking to my children and grandchildren and share feelings and history. And of course, just laughing and having fun. I want to be sitting and looking out over a body of water, talking to my two best friends about planning our next get-together, and laughing at past hysterics.
I want to get out and shoot while I can still hold that heavy Nikon without tremendous back pain where I’ll have to switch to using a tripod much more.
I want to hold that Dremel tool while these fingers still have dexterity and are minimally painful a lot more. I want to be able to climb a ladder to hang a new favorite print.
My limited toolbox of skills is just starting to be filled with items I have yet to ever use. My mindset feels more like what can I shoot today instead of wanting to edit more of what I did yesterday.
When I wake I feel that immediate excitement of another day at hand. And once I get past the mainspring problem and I’m vertical I’m off. I started to write when I get up. Even if it’s just for a few minutes and something that doesn’t go anywhere or get used.
I’ve been looking at various charity/volunteer opportunities and I hope to contribute more to those in need in the future. Life is going to be very busy. While there is no concrete plan, my direction and interest might slightly alter but the drive and energy will be there.
Random Thoughts of the Day
- New Year – New Rules
- A rainy New Years eve is ahead. Hope that isn’t a sign about 2023
- I feel invisible. And you get used to it. And it has its advantages.
- A 60-degree day at the end of December is equal to a 90-degree day in July and therefore Ice Cream is the solution.
- Happy outward doesn’t always mean happy inward.
