Semi-Retired and Still No Time
I made the decision last fall to semi-retire at the beginning of this year. I felt extremely fortunate to be able to take this step into the next phase of my life. So many things to do that I have put off for too long.
My plan with some extra time off was to start writing the short stories for a book I have had on the back burner. I also was hoping to have time to travel the back roads a bit and take photos of Mother Nature. If I could add a few pictures to my print collection, then I could go in search of somewhere local to sell them. A place to start as they say.
And even the best of intentions don't always go as planned. It's amazing to me how the minute you have more "free" time the less time you seem to have. Since I reduced my work hours the "extra" day off has not afforded me the opportunity to jump into my passions and projects. There have been so many other obligations (real or perceived) that have held me back. Perhaps some of it is procrastination, and maybe the rest of it is the time of year. Winter seems to put me in a "hibernation" mode, and can zap my energy.
The two short stories I did finally write were done when I was away from home and daily routine. I imagine the freedom of not having the daily chores to complete does offer the opportunity for creativity to flow. I am very aware that if alone, or in a room full of strangers, my mind can wander to places where the stories begin to form.
As we get closer to the end of winter and the beginning of spring, the days are longer which will make me feel more energized. My goal moving forward is to set time aside to go places known and unknown where I can immerse myself in creative endeavors. Who knows? Perhaps I will finally finish that book, or find that one exquisite picture waiting to be taken. Wherever it takes me will be welcome.
Stay tuned for what's to come.
My plan with some extra time off was to start writing the short stories for a book I have had on the back burner. I also was hoping to have time to travel the back roads a bit and take photos of Mother Nature. If I could add a few pictures to my print collection, then I could go in search of somewhere local to sell them. A place to start as they say.
And even the best of intentions don't always go as planned. It's amazing to me how the minute you have more "free" time the less time you seem to have. Since I reduced my work hours the "extra" day off has not afforded me the opportunity to jump into my passions and projects. There have been so many other obligations (real or perceived) that have held me back. Perhaps some of it is procrastination, and maybe the rest of it is the time of year. Winter seems to put me in a "hibernation" mode, and can zap my energy.
The two short stories I did finally write were done when I was away from home and daily routine. I imagine the freedom of not having the daily chores to complete does offer the opportunity for creativity to flow. I am very aware that if alone, or in a room full of strangers, my mind can wander to places where the stories begin to form.
As we get closer to the end of winter and the beginning of spring, the days are longer which will make me feel more energized. My goal moving forward is to set time aside to go places known and unknown where I can immerse myself in creative endeavors. Who knows? Perhaps I will finally finish that book, or find that one exquisite picture waiting to be taken. Wherever it takes me will be welcome.
Stay tuned for what's to come.
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