Struggling to Navigate an Unplanned Journey

Life has a way of shaking us up every now and then and redirecting us down a new path. Our vision of what the future holds can suddenly disappear like mist rising from the surface of a lake. The question then becomes how do we adjust to the new "normal" and move forward from here?

When confronted with this new future, emotions will run from acceptance and compassion to frustration and feelings of hopelessness. We will do everything we can to understand, and to be there to ensure a good and safe life; however, it does not mean that there will be no discontent.

Many of us dream of pursuing forgotten passions when we reach retirement, and it never occurs to us that this will not happen. There is the wish list of the trips that are yet to be planned. So many places to see and experiences to share with one another. As we face reality, and watch passions dwindle and fade, there is a sadness. How could life be so cruel to take these things away?

Each new day will bring both normalcy and new encounters. As we strive to accept the unfamiliar, we will face moments of frustration too. Even in the midst of this we will make an effort to ensure a positive environment to ease challenging times. A key element in dealing with the changes is having a good sense of humor. Laughter can ease even the most difficult of times.

None of us can do everything, and sometimes the smallest daily chores will seem arduous. When it comes to completing the big projects we planned to tackle, they can appear insurmountable. On days like this we can resent having no time to ourselves to complete even the smallest task.

We want to do it all; care for loved ones, follow dreams, celebrate life, find new adventures, and so much more. This is what our retirement was supposed to be. When we cannot live up to all of this, we can feel guilty and selfish. Guilty because we feel like we are failing, and selfish because we resent having no solitude to bring peace to our soul.

At the end of the day, we will remind ourselves what is important, creating a good life, with a positive environment, and as much love and laughter as possible. Then, we will rest, wake up refreshed, and start over once again to navigate our unplanned journey.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Simply Sides - Melting Potatoes (Fondant Potatoes)

Image
In the UK they are known as Fondant Potatoes, and in the US, they are hardly known at all. They are buttery, crispy on the outside, creamy in the middle and worth a try. These are the most delicious potatoes I have had in a long time! They would certainly be a great addition to any of your holiday gatherings. Enjoy! Melting Potatoes (Fondant Potatoes) 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1-1/2 cups chicken broth 2 garlic cloves, lightly crushed and peeled Note: Use potatoes at least 1-1/2 inches in diameter. DO NOT  use a glass baking dish. Adjust rack to upper-middle position. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Square off ends of potatoes and cut crosswise into 1-inch-thick disks. Toss them with melted butter, thyme, salt, and pepper. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in a baking pan and roast until the bottoms are browned, about 15 minutes. Remove pan from oven and usin...
Read more

Simply Sides - Corn Bread Casserole

Image
My sister has made this casserole at Thanksgiving for many years. It is creamy and delicious and has been a big hit with the entire family. This dish is very easy and is not only great for your holiday meal, but also for weeknight dinners. Corn Bread Casserole 1 can creamed corn 1 can whole kernel corn ( undrained ) 8 ounces sour cream 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) melted butter 1 box Jiffy corn bread mix Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease a 1-1/2 quart casserole dish. 1. Mix all ingredients and pour into the prepared dish. 2. Bake at 325F for one hour. Enjoy!!
Read more

The Rock of Gibraltar

Image
On our way to El Puerto De Santa Maria, we made a detour to see the Rock of Gibraltar. If you have ever seen a Prudential Financial advertisement, you will recognize the Rock of Gibraltar which is their logo. The Rock of Gibraltar is a single large block of stone 426 m (1,398 ft) high. It is a limestone peninsula and mountainous rock that jets out of the end of the British territory at the southwestern tip of Europe. It is home to a network of caves, including the famous St. Michael’s Cave, which is open to the public. At the top of the Rock, visitors can enjoy amazing panoramic views of the surrounding area, including Morocco on a clear day. Seeing the Rock from below is quite a sight, however, taking a tour to the top tells a much bigger story of how impressive it truly is. We headed out in a small 6-passenger van to make the climb up to the top of the Rock. The road is quite narrow and winds back and forth along the edge of the Rock. For someone like me who is afraid o...
Read more