Living the Dream

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It is 8 years ago today that I left my office desk and took my first steps into retirement. 

Fittingly, this afternoon I was reminded of some of the associated emotions whilst chatting to our next door neighbour who retired too a few weeks ago. Whilst he's clearly throwing himself into all those tasks that you let slip whilst you are busy working down to your final day, he also divulged that he is experiencing those horrendous nightmares where you wake up, palms sweating, realising that you were imagining yourself back in the workplace.

At least I was able to reassure him that, 8 years on, not only would I be incapable of doing the job that kept me occupied and fulfilled for so long, but also I honestly would be unable to recall what used to be required of me, at least not sufficient to dream about it. Who would have thought it would be possible to get to that stage, but when life is filled in other ways, memories of the task of earning a living by pursuing a career do actually fade.

A year ago I was contemplating the need to up my game in the simplification stakes. It's a work in progress but I definitely feel as if I'm making headway. Likewise and cognisant of  my comments about health and life being precious, the past few months have thrown up my own medical scare perhaps even upping the pace at which I've felt a need to organise and sort in order to enjoy life to the full. In turn, as I recorded in my last post, the hurdle I've encountered as a consequence is no longer one of overcoming chaos to reach Nirvana but instead of being overwhelmed by all that I have taken on.


So Year 9 is about taking a step back to find that inner calmness and much needed balance in life The quest for the truly Great Dream of the perfect retired state of happiness and fulfilment without overstretching oneself.

 

Comments

Treaders said…
Congratulations on 8 years out. I'm 3.5 years out and can't believe it has gone so fast. On Saturday a work colleague was in the area and stopped by for an apéro and I can't believe how my eyes glazed over when he was talking about work - because I just didn't give a shit! I also wonder how I kept functioning in fifth gear for so long!!! That bloody commute and the run, run, run of work, I can see why people just keel over when they stop. Still it's nice to be on "the other side" isn't it!
21 June 2022 at 16:33
Caree Risover said…
Definitely the place to be! I confess it now amazes me how wrapped up in their work some people are and how distanced I now feel from the whole shebang.
21 June 2022 at 20:48
www.muddlingthroughmymiddleage.com said…
Congrats on eight years of retirement! And I agree, finding balance is the key to happiness, whether we are working or not. It is something we always have to look for, I beleive.
24 June 2022 at 19:52
Caree Risover said…
Thank you. That balance is so important yet, even in retirement, not always easy to find!
24 June 2022 at 20:42
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