I realized that I haven't written for a while. I think it's because this blog has served its purpose of being a documentation of my "mini-retirement" and I am starting to shift to the mindset of going to work again. This time off has been such a valuable gift--I feel so healthy and creative and positive! I have done and tried so many cool things. I have spent time with so many loved ones who have been put on a back burner for too long. I have gotten the house, the yard, and the car to a good level of repair so I don't have a constant feeling of being behind. I saw a daughter leave and a roommate appear. I traveled and danced and played guitar til my fingers were numb. I have cleared out stuff that no longer serves me both physically and mentally. It is a good place to be overall.
While I am sad that I am leaving my marriage, I am glad I had this time to be able to make the decision wisely and clearly without feeling stressed out from work. I am glad I had time to spend with Chris the first three months. We are ending on the best possible terms with each other, for which I am thankful.
Amazingly, even with the unexpected expenses along the way, I am only now dipping into the money I set aside for this time--six months down the road! It has been a trust walk that has had many "loaves and fishes" aspects to it. How God provides when we take a leap of faith! How grateful I am!
It's true that I would like to continue living like this. The self-directed pace, the amount of free time, and the general feeling of wellbeing are worth all the money in the world! However, reality calls. I need a regular paycheck and a little more socialization. This experiment has shown me that I will embrace retirement down the road and that I have options for continuing to work that I would enjoy. I hope to maintain the centered, grounded feeling I have for as long as possible. Yes, I'm "not quite ready to retire", but I look forward to the day I do and hope to accomplish much in the next few years leading up to it. Life is good. Thanks for reading!
