At a certain point in my thirties, I think it was around the time I became a parent, I also discovered I was becoming invisible. It started when I ceased being referred to by my name and became someone’s mom. Then over time, store clerks stopped noticing that I was the next one in line.… Continue reading Invisible Woman Syndrome And The Right To Be Seen
Tag: retired
Spread The Recognition
At this time of year, it’s understandable to feel low and unmotivated. It’s getting a lot colder outside. The daylight hours are shrinking and cozy blankets are calling me to hibernate on the couch. At least, I thought that might be my problem when I couldn’t drum up the energy to write. The Cure. I… Continue reading Spread The Recognition
Getting Familiar With Discomfort
I didn’t realize how important discomfort would be during my journey from retired teacher to something else. I knew there would be challenges and change but I didn’t understand how essential it would be to accept not feeling comfortable, to realize that it’s a good thing. The Familiar Is Comfortable. My automatic reaction to discomfort… Continue reading Getting Familiar With Discomfort
Searching For The Lost Things
I did it again. I put something in a safe place only to be unable to find it when I need it. It’s infuriating because I know that I didn’t throw it out! Ironically, I managed to keep it safe even from myself. Why does this happen and how can I stop myself from doing… Continue reading Searching For The Lost Things
Enjoying A Sideways Move
In my early years of teaching I made my first move from teaching kindergarten to teaching grade one, and I was met with a strange response from the parent community: congratulations. It made me laugh, and slightly annoyed. People outside the field of education equate an opportunity to teach a higher grade as a promotion.… Continue reading Enjoying A Sideways Move
Senior People
Senior management. Senior partner. Put the word “senior” in front of “judge” or “senator” and it conjures up an image of extensive experience, vast knowledge, and confident leadership. Now, place the word “senior” in front of domestic labels: senior care, senior portion and senior home. The image is one of fragility. Gone is the impact… Continue reading Senior People
When/Then Thinking
“When it’s a special occasion, then I will use my mother’s china dishes.” This is an example of when/then thinking. I don’t use the dishes until there’s a holiday. It’s remarkable how much this mindset has reduced the joy I let myself experience as an adult! “When my body looks a certain way, then I’ll… Continue reading When/Then Thinking
Texting Back
There have been times where I’ve written a lovely response to someone’s text, only to realize days later that I never pressed “send.” There were also times when I read a text or email as soon as it came in, got distracted and never replied to it. Communication with a smartphone is not as easy… Continue reading Texting Back
Growing From A Caretaker To A Listener
I’ve recently become aware of the caretaker role and how much I have invested in being a caretaker for family and friends. I thought it was a good thing, but now I’m seeing it differently and realizing that caretaking has a harmful side that I never intended. As Maya Angelou said, “Do the best you… Continue reading Growing From A Caretaker To A Listener
Adjusting To Seasonal Changes
There’s comfort in knowing that the seasons will change in a predictable way. The daylight is shrinking but knowing that this will not last and that it’s part of a well-worn cycle brings me peace. Even when our climate and society are in chaos, the natural world will prepare for winter, just like it always… Continue reading Adjusting To Seasonal Changes
Retired, And Now What? 