Rolling On the River
Creedence Clearwater had it down pat when they sang the song Rolling on the River.
I just left a good job in the city and worked some pretty long hours before retiring. I did a good job, did my time to get retirement in, and decided to venture out to new adventures while I was still young enough (and in good enough health) to do it.
I have had interesting comments come my way when people learn I am retired.
“What, exactly, do you do now?†People say. “SO you don’t work a nine to five job.†“You’re too young to be retired.†Others say.
I smile. I suspect they are either jealous or just don’t understand that when one retires one does not stop living.
I am, in fact, so busy right now I am beginning to wonder how in the world I was able to “roll down the river†everyday and still get my personal things done when I was working fulltime.
I walk between four and seven miles a day now…some early in the morning between seven and eight with a friend for between four and five miles and then again in the afternoon several days a week with a friend who still works in the school District.
Between the walks I am processing things in my office and getting settled into a routine…at least I am trying to. I decided to give myself a month or so of down time to adjust and settle in. I’m over a month into this thing and I think I will need longer to “adjust.â€
Meanwhile, I am doing some consulting on the side, have some speaking engagements lined up regarding my first book, and am doing some crafty things with recycled men’s ties.
One of the things I am grateful to have the time to do these days is to visit with several good friends who are close to death. I am cherishing that time with them, something I would not have been able to do if I had been working fulltime.
Yes, my life is different now and it is taking some time to get used to. However, like Creedence says in their song, you don’t have to worry….and I like the fact that everyday is a new adventure.
After my walk this morning I go to a middle school to work with classes about writing. I look forward to that. Then it’s off to dinner and the Broadway play “Hairspray†at the Koger Center with friends.
My wish for you today is that you embrace change in whatever way you need to when it comes along. Roll on down that river, enjoy it to the fullest, help others along the way where you can, and savor those adventures with friends and family.
~ Joellen