I started my new job a couple of months ago. Prior to that, I had a sabbatical or mini-retirement, which was eye-opening to say the least.
Like so many others, I have this grand illusion that everything will be perfect when I work for myself and have all the time in the world to do whatever I want. Through this experience, I’m learning a lot about myself.
- I need a sense of purpose (pretty much every day). The purpose can change, but I need something driving me. My mind needs stimulation, and I need to connect to something or someone.
- Household chores don’t cut it. I now have an even greater respect for people who devote their lives to managing the household, getting things done, taking care of pets, cleaning, feeding everyone. It can be incredibly time consuming for work that often isn’t appreciated. And for me personally, it doesn’t give me enough purpose…not yet anyway.
- I need some structure. When you’re super busy, it’s easy to think, “I’d love to just make it up as I go along.” Now that I have the gift of time, I’m painfully aware that I need some structure…even at a high level. I’ve been getting up very early (around 5 a.m.) to take care of pets and cook breakfast and lunch for my girlfriend who leaves the house around 6. That’s helped me have a routine. Now, I’m figuring out how to structure the rest of the day to include exercise, meditation, reading, writing the blog, preparing for the new job, chores, and visits with friends.
- I need to feel like I did something with this time. With all the time in the world, it’s easy to come up with a laundry list of things to do. But doing a little of this and a little of that hardly feels meaningful. I want to make this time count. I plan to focus in on writing for this blog and planning out how to get it really up and running in the year ahead.
- Time to reflect on what I want in life. This sneak peek helps me see what my future could hold with working for myself. It also helps me envision how I want to shape it into a way that works well for me.
- This time is a gift. Time is precious and the most valuable resource. Having it is incredible for me. I am reflective and appreciative of the time and all the blessings in my life.