THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF MY LIFE

Retirement day has arrived. Retirement from a workplace and now a pensioner. But not retirement from work per se. Once the new routines are established then developing those interests, projects and writing into my new work. Family responsibilites can be managed too. The home will be the workplace with different rooms serving a function. My computer room. My craft room. My guest room. The kitchen. Asked for the last few weeks about how I was feeling. Relief. I made it. With events in the last year, there were times I might have had to leave earlier. So relief. On my terms. When I wanted to go. Not feeling like I needed to leave in a hurry.

A little trepidation. But with a methodical, let's pull things together for the new life rolling with what life brings along with planning and organization, it is doable. Of course one day at a time. With others around me who have retired, lots of people that can offer advice. Well not sure if I will need it but I know who to call. Will I be busier like everyone before me that has retired, time will tell. A different busy. The house needs a methodical do over. Well the jungle garden will give me an exercise plan. Plus walking on a daily basis. Develop a different walking plan and using my weights. I had wanted to hit the ground running with lots organized, I put the running shoes away and will have bare feet so I can feel the new life happening. Less is more. So starting with one spot, one corner, one area and get it neat will be my first week's mantra. Retirement with relief is my feeling today. What tomorrow will bring is a mystery!!
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RELIEF BRINGS A TIME FOR RENEWAL

Relief comes in many forms. A test is over. The weekend arrives. A long drive has a restful end. A hard day is over. Sometimes there are months or even years of difficulty. Like the war in Europe and the end of World War Two. The cost of day care. The teen years. When an end finally comes, there is the rebuilding, the renewing, the beginning of the next phase. Often just burning and crashing. Stopping and getting off the treadmill. Reviewing the world around us. Deciding what worked and what needs fixing. Spring and summer months with the call to go somewhere to relax give us some time to enjoy the relief. Renewal! Hopefully enjoying the relief for a time before the next crisis begins. But really hoping there will not be one for a very long time! So am I feeling relieved today! Well yes! Have you been through some hard times and are now relieved? Oh life's trials and tribulations!!

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM

Is one of those English expressions that can have many meanings. We are expecting snow in a big way today so looking outside now it is clear and calm! The snow is coming! Metaphorically, it can mean the calm before a crisis- the storm. Sometimes in our lives when everything feels too good, there can be an ominous feeling something bad will happen or is going to happen. Or there is a ongoing problem that needs resolving! Does it happen from self-fulling prophecy or was it on the way? But no one mentions the calm after the storm. The crisis has passed and the leftover feelings find a place. The heightened energy starts to recede. Is it calm or just relief? Or exhausion? Storms are part of our weather patterns. Storms are part of our lives. The courage to bear with them and see our way through them brings strength of character. Are you facing a storm in your life? Have you just been through a personal storm? Are you picking up the pieces in your life? Remember as each storm rages, it too shall pass and the sun will shine again.

AFTER THE STORM

Passed our way yesterday, it made me reflect on how trouble in our lives can stop us in our tracks. For almost an hour, watching the weather channel, watching the sky for funnel clouds and watching the huge bolts of lightening as well as listening to the thunder that seemed to shake our house. Eventually, the storm system passed. We had no damage but in other areas- downed trees, golf ball sized hail- were recorded. Relief that we were unscathed. Our lives go along in our normal way but there are always events that can change everything. Fires, floods, storms, accidents- well you get the picture. Our fear in the middle of an event can be overwhelming. Most of us like to think we can handle and stay cool through anything . Fear is one of those feelings that has its own agenda. It creeps up on us. Is there anything we can do to control it? If we have the need to be in control, like driving through pounding rain on a highway or helping someone in a disaster. Standing alone is a different matter. Have there been times your own fear of a situation surprised you? Courage can come from fear as we have seen many heros in our lives do extraordinary things. Have you been courageous? Immobilized? After the event could you analyse yourself or were you just happy to be still standing? Some people even say I am not afraid of anything or anyone! I do not know if I am afraid of Mother Nature- I think I respect her- alot!!