And now…it’s time to contradict myself…yes, I told you to look out the window, but on those weather-traumatic days when you just want to tuck in, know this:
Watching Nature Documentaries Can Be Just as Good as Meditation for Wellbeing
Category: Daily Habits
Photo-a-Day 7: End Your Day With Laughter
The other night in bed, I read a news clipping [yes, on real newsprint!] about decluttering.
Good info and a relevant story.
But I foolishly scanned the flip side–a depressing rundown of Russia’s increasing influence in American politics.
When I finished, I turned out the light and settled in under the covers.
My eyes closed…and opened.
I was churning, unsettled.
I knew what I had to do.
Flick on the light and read from Jim Gaffigan’s book, Food: A Love Story.
Excerpt:
“Eating fries without salt feels like a sacrifice. What am I, a pioneer? When I have to eat unsalted fries, I often feel like I should be a contestant on Survivor, or something.”
Okay, now I was ready to sleep.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!
Retirement Pondering Point: From ‘have to’ to ‘get to’…
Fellow retirees, I wanted to share this excerpt from James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits.
My favorite points from:
How to Be Thankful For Your Life by Changing Just One Word
- “You transition from seeing these behaviors as burdens and turn them into opportunities.”
- “We can find evidence for whatever mind-set we choose.”
- “So often, the things we view as work are actually the reward.”
Retirement Stepping Stone 17: Retirement has become a state of mind.
I found that even though I returned to 30+ hours of work at a local school, I didn’t want to lose the retirement experience.
And so, the minute I head home on Friday afternoon, I’m retired. It’s that simple. I even announce it as I walk through the front door. [I guess that makes it official.]
Interesting discovery: I tend to hang onto the possibility of fun and freedom and new experiences deeper into Sunday evenings than during my traditional work years.
Take a look at this article on the retirement state of mind.
I’m also looking at setting up an online community.
If you’re interested…
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 16: Project overload…too many interests, too little time, and…
too little discipline.
I started tons of projects, finished few. [I’ve written before about the ‘shiny object syndrome’.]
These projects are still alive–some just a little beyond life support–and I even posted a pared-down list of them in my computer room. At this point, that constant reminder of ‘unfinished’ is probably counterproductive, but I just keep thinking if I keep those projects in my consciousness, I’ll get back to them.
Misguided, perhaps, but I’ll keep them up through 2018 and see what happens.
***
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 in my book-in-progress. [Yes, that’s one of my unfinished projects. ;->]
I’m also looking at setting up an online community.
If you’re interested… [Honest! I am scaling back my ‘shiny objects’ list!]
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
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
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’.
The Habits of Happiness–a TED Talk
I recently used the term ‘play ethic’ [as opposed to work ethic]. Along with ‘trying new’, a play ethic is vital to positive vibes at the end of a day.
And now it’s time to turn to someone who’s looked even more deeply into ‘happiness’.
See if this talk by Matthieu Ricard doesn’t sharpen your own approach to an enriched retirement.
