Letting Go and Making a Difference
Three months into my third year of retirement and
it is good to realise just how far I have come.
Reflecting on the period of time that has passed, I can now look back
and recognise three different phases. They are not separate or distinct;
the boundary between them ebbs and flows but there is nevertheless an
obvious progression.
The
early days, weeks and months were a time for healing and recovery. An
opportunity to relax and to take the first steps towards a new
healthier, fitter self. There may still be some way to go but the
pattern has been set.
Gradually
and alongside those baby steps from enervation to vigour grew a sense
of letting go. Like healing and recovery, it manifests itself on two
levels: the physical and the mental. The clutter from both house and
mind is being dissipated. Life is simpler; the habits of a working
existence have been dropped. Activities and commitments have altered.
Although there remains much to clear out especially of a physical kind (
household stuff and clothes with no longer any clear purpose in
retirement), there is now obvious and steady progress.
A
milestone was reached this week when I even made the decision to change
the name on my driving licence from the birth name that I used
professionally throughout my career to the married name I have always
used at home. There are other changes that I know I shall be making in
measured and deliberate fashion over the coming months. To let go in the
early days felt brave, in Year 3 it is empowering.
Life is invigorating and stimulating despite not knowing what the ultimate outcome or next phase will be. After 27 months, retirement is still novel enough that it remains an adventure into the unknown.
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