A few years ago, I found myself alone downtown on a Saturday morning. I had to drop something off before nine. Done. Suddenly, there I was with my notebook, a novel and a water bottle in my bag on a sunny, warm morning, and no plans for the rest of the day. No one needed… Continue reading A Day Of Wander
Tag: happiness
Seeking Contentment
It is the perfect day when I look at it objectively: a slower pace with space to create, and gentle surroundings. If I had imagined a perfect day in the future as I was retiring from teaching, this would be it. But humming through me, there’s a disturbing feeling of dissatisfaction that surprises me. No… Continue reading Seeking Contentment
Fun as an antidote to difficult times
Glimmers and gratitude are great, but fun is where it’s at. Fun is changing my daily experience one small moment at a time. Fun is something that I actively seek and it brings joyful sparks to the day. It can be playing hide and seek with the dog, or putting sprinkles on my ice cream.… Continue reading Fun as an antidote to difficult times
The Busy-Bee Retiree
I know some folks like this and I’m sure you do too. Maybe you’re one of them: the busy-bee retiree. Your calendar is so packed with activities that you’re as busy as you were when you were working. You’ve filled your free time with classes, projects, meetings, committees and volunteering. Why not? You have the… Continue reading The Busy-Bee Retiree
Deep Conversations
There’s nothing I like more than sitting down, cup of tea in hand, to have a meaningful chat with someone. When I was teaching, having even a moment in the week to sit down with someone was almost unheard of. Life was too busy, too rushed, for conversations. Now, there is time for meeting at… Continue reading Deep Conversations
Find The Joy; Spread The Joy
The gloomy nature of the world and the weather made me realize that I have been living without joy for a while. I haven’t been looking for the glimmers. My focus has been on other things that seem more pressing. It’s not that I can’t feel joy. I’ve just forgotten to actively look for it… Continue reading Find The Joy; Spread The Joy
Goals Make Me Happy
When I was working, my goals were aligned with what I wanted to achieve for my students and in my teaching practice. They gave my days purpose and direction. As a retired person, I find that I need to set goals to give me a sense of purpose. Now, my goals are purely personal and… Continue reading Goals Make Me Happy
Retired, And Now What? 