Retirement Is Finally Your Time
Retirement is wonderful. I have more time for family – especially the grandchildren. I have more time to bake and cook. I have more time for mid-week dates with my husband. I have more time to travel, more time to read, more time to write. But…do I always use that time wisely? Of course not!
Sometimes I take a nap even though I’ve only been out of bed for a few hours. I can get lost in binging new (and old) TV shows. I play games on my cellphone every day. I’ve gotten my husband hooked on the New York Times Spelling Bee word challenge, too. I haven’t learned any new skills. In fact, I’ve given up gardening and needlework. I don’t even “lunch with the ladies” on a regular basis. But, what I do do is work on me.
I’m doing yoga or Pilates or weight training six days a week and my doctors say they can see a difference. I’m meditating to ease anxiety (about everything!), sometimes at home, sometimes with an in-person guide. I walk. I volunteer. I’m working on the things that will make me healthier, inside and out.
I could have been doing these things for decades. I didn’t. Taking care of myself always came last, as it does for so many mothers. Now, I can make it a priority without taking time away from my other pursuits. I worked for myself and my family. But, I am retired for me!