“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” Alan Watts
New beginnings, self-discovery, adventures, and finding purpose are a part of life. Now that I am retired, I have the luxury of time to plunge into getting to know what I really want out of life. I can contemplate the things that are REALLY important to me. So, I get out my “Brilliant ides I had while drinking wine” journal, pour myself a glass of Ruby Vineyards 2018 Pinot Noir (one of our local wines) to get the ole creative juices flowing. I start my “What is important to me in this stage and season of my life?” list
The things that were important to me pre-retirement may be somewhat different than the things that are important to me in this stage of my life. I am transitioning, and it is essential for me to find direction so I can choreograph the steps which will create a dance that feels, relevant, relaxed, refreshed, and restored.
Here is where my thoughts took me.
Relationships
marriage, family, friends,
Peace of mind
financial security, health
Things to look forward to
new experiences, travel, taking classes, social
social life, music, cultural events
Feeling comfortable
Close to nature, home, sense of community
Downtime
reading, contemplation, writing
I learned from my brainstorming, some of the things that are important to me now are the same things that were important to me before I was retired but have somewhat of a different flavor. FAMILY has always been important however now I do not have to be the Mom in charge, I can look upon my children and granddaughter and enjoy them instead of being the taskmaster. Planning places to go and people to see has also been important but now I can expand the list and devote more time to making life enjoyable for more than just a day, a long weekend, or a week on vacation. Down Time was on my wish list but never on a “things that are important to me list.” The downtime was random and erratic. Now it is on my list and if it is on a list, I will get it done! The same holds true for Feeling Comfortable, I never had it assigned as something that was important to me. Now I have not only acknowledged its importance, but I also have a clear definition of what Feeling Comfortable looks like to me.
I love my “What Is Important To Me In This Stage and Season Of My Life” list. It feels refreshing to Let Go of the old list and embrace the new one. I will use it to guide my decisions on what to do when to do it and with whom I will do it.
LOOK OUT WORLD!
I Hope You Dance
Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along,
Tell me who wants to look back on their years
And wonder where those years have gone. Songwriters: Sanders Mark Daniel / Sillers Tia M
