Fun Steps - Day 3

Spur of the moment decisions are my favorite. No time to overthink. Gather information, process that info, then decide. 

POOF!! 

Just like that, I went from an idea I was tossing around, to fully fleshed out decision. All that's left is the follow-through. All in under 24 hours.

This reminds me of a "random idea for you to think about..." message I received at 9:35 a.m. on May 28, 2021. This random idea led to the purchase of the home where I presently live. June 1st, an offer was made; we took possession June 8th.

Another time, I went to sleep with a laundry list of worries on my mind. I woke up the next morning and made a decision I was giving everyone who was affected by my decision a year's notice. One year later, I quit my job and moved into the aforementioned home.

I made the decision to pack up my little family and relocate to a new province in a very similar manner. The time was right. Once the decision was made, it was like flowing downstream in a rushing current. Everything fell right into place as if it was exactly where I was meant to be.

I could go on and on, my friend. There have been numerous other spur-of-the-moment decisions I didn't overthink. I just did. 

I have a system of back-up plans like no other. I also am surrounded by the most supportive family, friends and acquaintances. 

The only thing I'm overthinking right now is my wardrobe. I wish buying the right clothes was as easy as moving out of the province or buying a house ....

Small Steps - Day 2

It is difficult to imagine these first semi-retired days could go on forever. Mostly because one of my employers is asking how often I want to work. Once a month? Once a week? My response was I want to take two weeks off because I haven't had a two week holiday in eight years.

Rather than this feeling like it could go on forever, at the moment it simply feels like a two week holiday. I'm glad I didn't answer the question. I left the office saying I would come in when necessary. I should have added "absolutely" (absolutely necessary) to that statement. 

Onward!

I cannot spend my (two week) retirement watching TV so I have instilled a few value-added steps to my morning.

1 - Moving first thing in the morning must become my new habit. I am starting slowly. Beginning. Movement before coffee. Movement before writing. Movement in some form for some time. Build on that.

2 - Water. My water intake while working outside my home became nearly non-existent. If water intake didn't result in water output, that would have helped. Long story, short? I drank water yesterday. Water before coffee. Water after coffee. Water to sip on, like a cup of coffee. It's a start.

3 - Writing. It was short. It was (or wasn't) sweet. But I did write here yesterday. The goal is to write beyond this blog space. One step at a time.

That's it. Three basic habits. Add to that. One day at a time. 

Note to self: think some new thoughts today. Find something new to write about. Day #2 and I'm boring myself.

Beginning. Again.

Today is my first official day of unofficial retirement. Unofficial, because I still have two casual job positions. This is nothing new. The new part of the equation is I'm truly casual now. My definition: I'll work when I am truly needed to work. Perhaps only when they are desperate.

Enough about that. Looking forward, it feels like this has all the hallmarks of a new beginning. A blank slate. I can rewrite my story starting today.

I have spent the entirety of my adult life doing what had to be done, in order to raise a family, pay the bills, build security and create a home. Success on all counts.

Now what?

Polishing off and refreshing my writing skills is first on the docket. I have no idea where this keyboard will take me but I'm open to whatever unfolds from here.

This could be tedious for a while. The great Canadian novel is not brewing. In the past, writing has been therapeutic. It could get ugly. I do hope to instill some new habits - writing may keep me accountable. It could get boring. 

My hope above all else, is I rediscover the joy in life's little moments. A little of the magic I felt within my daycare days, when I saw the world through the eyes of a child. Small pleasures.

Every single thing that has happened within this life of mine has brought me to today. Today? I am beginning again.