Walking is good for the soul. Walking with a trusted friend is even better. Walking to get in shape for long walks in Ireland, thinking of being out in God's beautiful landscape for days, the best! The walk in Cuba Marsh yesterday was in cool misty weather...I think we will have some of that in Ireland.
As I was walking with my friend Suzanne yesterday, I was expressing my struggle with trying to find a rhythm for my new life - Phase 2. Someone told me it could take up to a year to sort this out. Sorry, but I can't wait that long!! I must have structure of some kind, but right now I am all over the place with when I sleep (and nap), eat (and snack), and fill in the gaps between. It is almost a feeling of not being in control - not a comfortable one for me - at all.
I was thinking last week, the difference between Phases 1 and 2; in Phase 1, there was always someone else telling me what to do - parents, teachers, bosses. In Phase 2, it's all up to me! Being me is a full time job, and now I have full time to devote to it. The responsibilty of that feels huge! So I must figure out how to do it so my time isn't wasted.
Sigh.... Poor Max, he thinks I should spend all my time outside with him!
But I am not complaining. One of the best parts of this extra time is having more time to be with friends, whether that is in person, or via technology. And reading, pursuing questions and ideas that interest me; very wonderful. I'm reading "Bonhoeffer - Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy", by Eric Metaxas. And tomorrow I may have time to plant some lovely flowers in my garden pots.
One last thought for Day Four; Yes, I sometimes feel guilty that I am not 'working'. ;))
I was just thinking... what a great time of year to begin your retirement - in time to take advantage of the nice weather with walks and planting, make progress on projects, prepare for your trip, etc.
ReplyDelete