Retirement Stepping Stone 15: ‘Time’s-a-wasting’ vs. ‘slow-down-and-savor’

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I had earlier quoted my friend who noted that we were ‘in our fourth quarter.’

Kind of makes you want to squeeze in a whole lotta livin’.

Welcome to the ‘time’s-a-wastin’ vs. ‘slow down-and-savor’ tug-of war.

If I slow down, won’t I miss out on opportunities to squeeze in a little extra living?

Won’t a leisurely pace eat up too many of these increasingly valuable minutes and hours?

Trust me, there are times when the clock is ticking a little louder and I get itchier to travel, take risks, try new things.

But doesn’t haste and hurry sap quality from these remaining moments?

As I wrangled over this little paradox, I thought I would look around for other views on daily living as a retiree.

Note: I retired for twelve months and learned plenty. I’ll be posting at least one stepping stone per week. Each of these lessons or impressions from that year off will constitute a mini-chapter of my book-in-progress.

Along with my book-in-progress, I’m also looking at setting up an online community.
If you’re interested… [Honest! I’m scaling back my ‘shiny objects’ list!]

Yes, keep me updated!

 

 

A promise: Your email address will be used to inform you of the status of the book and community and will not be shared.

 

Retirement Pondering Point: Honor your creative surges…

I have two of Jill Badonsky’s books: The Awe-manac and The Muse Is In

Until tonight, I had not opened this newsletter. My wife had forwarded it to me the same month I left my job almost two years ago. Just one of those emails that slipped by.
I hope the quote nudges my fellow retirees forward in your creative pursuits. [Note: I posted this in my other blog –the mark of a good quote.]

jill badonsky quote with background

If you believe it’s time to give that creative calling inside of you a shot, honor it in some really small way today.

Start by asking “What do I love about my creative passion?” and “What one really small thing I can do to get started?”

Just asking these questions, even without having an answer, will begin to shift your energy toward the thoughts and actions that make it easier to get to your passion.

Once you light that fire, you will shine so brightly, there’s a chance one or two souls will stop their bickering and be inspired to do the same–you will be a catalyst of creative passion. — Jill Badonsky

My Retirement Book: Too much quality time with the dog? 

retirement terrier share stage pet

Beware the owner-pet lookalike affliction.

***

There is actually research into this.

Today’s post is an excerpt from a draft of my tongue-in-cheek book on retirement.
I’m also looking at setting up an online community.
If you’re interested…

Yes, keep me updated!

A promise: Your email address will be used to inform you of the status of the book and community and will not be shared.

My Retirement Book: Getting pets involved. Don’t overdo it.

retirement dont victimize pet

As loyal and loving as Barkley is,
he may not need the boot camp designed for you.

Today’s post is an excerpt from a draft of my tongue-in-cheek book on retirement.
I’m also looking at setting up an online community.
If you’re interested…

Yes, keep me updated!

A promise: Your email address will be used to inform you of the status of the book and community and will not be shared.

My ‘try new’ diary, page 1

As I’ve said before, retirees, ‘new’ doesn’t have to be life-changing.

Just a little something to inject interest and anticipation into each day.

So, I’ll use a few photos each week to share times when I ‘tried new’.

#1

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I tried three versions of this Algerian/Moroccan flatbread called msemmen. I’ll revisit this recipe often…easy, unique, and open to all kinds of variations.

#2

What’s new about this? This was a first time I took photos at this location on the outskirts of Oregon State University at this time of year at this time of day. I’d have included a shot of one of our alpaca friends, but they were less than forthcoming during our walk.

#3

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Remember…nothing life-changing. I have to say, pasta-makers have really turned the corner on making alternative options toothsome and tasty–no more of that gritty whole-wheat stuff they cranked out even three years ago.

Okay, send along your moments of ‘trying new’.

Retirement Stepping Stone 14: The company of dogs…not at all a bad thing.

When retirement came in November of 2016, there was immediate benefit: I had seemingly endless hours to spend with Boo, our six-year-old shelter pet.

It was a time when morning walks morphed from ‘pre-work checklist item’ to ‘mid-morning luxury’. And baking under his watchful eye? More proof that this new chapter was right for me.

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While the rest of life took unexpected turns, Boo provided certainty, loyalty and lots of laughs.

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And when my wife would come home from work, there we would be…often with fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies or cranberry scones awaiting us all in the kitchen.

Note: I retired for twelve months and learned plenty. I’ll aim to post at least one stepping stone per week. Each of these lessons or impressions from that year off will constitute a mini-chapter of my book-in-progress.

Along with my book-in-progress, I’m also looking at setting up an online community.
If you’re interested… [Honest! I’m scaling back my ‘shiny objects’ list!]

Yes, keep me updated!

 

A promise: Your email address will be used to inform you of the status of the book and community and will not be shared.

 

Retirement Stepping Stone 13: Celebrate your new chapter.

We should celebrate our new chapter whenever we get the chance.

Granted, some folks may have been ‘retired’ without their consent, but I guess I’m hoping those people will see the opportunities to steer their lives in a different direction.

Maybe it’s having the time to take a morning or afternoon walk, cruise the public library after a coffee with friends downtown, or pick up the grandkids from school, should their son or daughter be over-scheduled at work.

Whatever it is, open up to the possibilities your new chapter offers.

This evening, we were blessed with this once-a-year celebration of my ‘lighter schedule’.

Note: I retired for twelve months and learned plenty. I’ll be posting at least one stepping stone per week. Each of these lessons or impressions from that year off will constitute a mini-chapter of my book-in-progress.

Along with my book-in-progress, I’m also looking at setting up an online community.
If you’re interested… [Honest! I’m scaling back my ‘shiny objects’ list!]

Yes, keep me updated!

 

A promise: Your email address will be used to inform you of the status of the book and community and will not be shared.