THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley


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A simple book

The daily prompt with another book question – What’s a book that completely surprised you?

A book that surprised me and helped me prepare for retirement was (The Joy of Not Working). I read it years before I retired but it got me thinking and moving towards what I wanted to do and be in retirement. It also made me reevaluate how I was working then.

It was the kind of book that was about the opposite of what I was about at the time. I was all work and a little more work sprinkled on top. It wasn’t an overnight change that happened but more of a gradual awakening. Questioning myself on my work/life balance, being comfortable with the thought of retirement and then the planning for the transition and getting busy on what my new life would be without Da Job.

Speaking of retirement, I love it. My better half and others were worried about me handling life without work. I keep busy and what I do feels fun and rewarding. And in hindsight, I wish I had done it sooner.

Two butterflies resting on vibrant pink flowers in a garden with a blurred green background.
Steps in life, one flower to the next. Photo by Mike Hartley