I have now been retired for over three years and I also recently turned 70 years old. During most of this time I have done very little. Some of this I can blame on a world wide pandemic. Fortunately my family and I have not been ill and as of this week all of us have been vaccinated. Before the pandemic we were able to take a few vacations including a cruise to Mexico. Most of the past year, however, has been spent at home. As a serious introvert I have been practicing social distancing for my entire life. With all due respect for the seriousness of the pandemic, staying home and avoiding other people has been the easiest thing I have ever done. A bigger challenge for me will be reconnecting with the world.
Before I retired I tended to write almost daily for friends, family, and co-workers. For the most part this blog is a collection of these writings. At the time I was highly motivated with much on my mind that I though other people might like. I had a lot of fans and followers. Some of them have been wondering where I have been and what I have been doing. I have written very little in the last three years. My life is very simple now. I have had virtually no contact with anyone except strangers that I encountered when I ventured out in public for groceries or other supplies. My over active mind seemed to be on pause. I also still have many friends who work full time and I doubted they wanted to read my daily thoughts on the joys of retirement.
Today quite out of the blue I visited this blog and realized how much I missed writing. Perhaps my mind and spirit are experiencing an awakening on this rainy spring day. I certainly have no excuse for not writing except laziness. Admittedly, there is not a lot going on in my life to inspire me. When I worked I had many experiences that often encouraged reflection. Even my busyness and desire for the life I now have was a source of inspiration.
I am hoping today's spark of enthusiasm is the beginning of a new phase of writing. I make no promises but I am going to attempt to regain my discipline of writing every day.
If anyone actually reads this and wants to encourage me I would be very grateful. 70 year old retirees are not always full of enthusiasm or energy.
Stay well, breathe, and remain calm. All will be well.
4 comments:
Hello Michael. I am glad to see your writings came across my email today. I am still at the "significant company" where I followed your writings, and would really like to hear more about retirement life.
Gary
I've missed your musings! So happy to see you in my inbox today.
Hi Michael, I enjoy (and missed) your views and experiences in retirement. I too enjoy the simple retirement life. I get out and walk a few hours most days, especially in the county and nature parks around here. I also really liked reading your past posts on Non-Dualistic Thinking.
So good to see you writing here again Michael. I officially retired earlier this month. What timing! I will have to go back and read again your reflections from your early days of retirement. I suspect they will help me as I go through this transition and embark on the next journey.
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