I thought my time for “starting over” had passed. That idea turned out not to be true. At the end of April, I went back to work. I decided to re-evaluate what I was doing. Retirement was great and yet I felt the need to fill some gaps. This time, I chose a completely new field. It was the right thing to do. My work was going well. It was time to stop the drain on my retirement funds and to add a new purpose to my life.
Next, I needed to reorganize, re-evaluate and re-distribute my time, energy, and interests. My cleaning was non-existent. Many projects lay undone. My gardens and yard were untended and looking wild and wooly. My Sidetracked Sisters and I had goals to accomplish and new ideas to develop. Yet, I was coming home at night tired and crashing.
After two years of retirement, I had developed some very nonproductive habits. The only answer to my dilemma was to use all of my resources including my self-discipline. (I’m sure I could find it somewhere!)
I would like to tell you that everything was now in place and working as it should. I’m not there yet and found having a plan in place is the first step. What I have now realized is that my time has a value that I need to protect. I can feel bad and overwhelmed about everything that needs to be done, or I can change how I’m looking at my situation and accept the challenge. I know I can do this and find my answers.
If you decide to start over, here’s a list of areas to look at:
- Maximize your time. Utilize times that you are not taking advantage of currently.
- Ask your family for help. Often they are glad to help and actually enjoy it…
- Break jobs down into manageable pieces…
- Simplify your work.
- Make sure your expectations are realistic.
- Give yourself the credit you deserve.
- Get plenty of rest and take care of your health.
- Take a break.
- Enjoy every day.
- Celebrate your successes.
I’d appreciate your suggestions and your support. We’re in this together. I’d enjoy hearing from you.
Click here to check out the other Sidetracked opinions
#sidetrackedsisters #sidetrackedjudy #womenover50 #startingover #acceptthechallenge #backtowork #self #midlife
Good for you that you realized that you needed more structure in your life in order to feel happy. Not everyone can handle retirement. I have always noticed that working people seem to accomplish more than non- working people. Maybe that’s because they know just how much time they have and utilize it to the max. Good luck with your new plan. I hope it works for you.
Linda,
Thank you so much for your feedback. I appreciate your comments and support. I have found that going back to work has satisfied a need I have to live my purpose and to pay attention to how I spend my time. It is good to hear from you.