My Saturday Mind
What a way to be awaken in the morning;  a soft little paw pat and a big Scottie smile. Lately Riley has been my little spoon and I am loving it.
Earlier this month when I mentioned that February is a special month for me and we would be having lots of snuggle time …… he heard me! Wink Wink.
There’s been a few nights when Mr. Independent barely lifts his head from his warm cozy bed as I was preparing to retire for the night but most nights he has followed me and once on our bed, he takes his position rather quickly.
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This February has been full of sunshine and spring-like weather which continues to make it even more special.
I forget that I got a year older. Ha!
I contribute that to being happy at home in retirement.
Which of course is because my true identity is a home-body.
(Did someone say introvert)
Before retiring I remember using Sunday evenings as my ‘me-time’ to prepare for another Monday grind because the rest of the weekend was spent on chores and errands. Oh, don’t misunderstand. I have fond memories of working and met some amazing friends that remain in my life.
But the thought of multi-tasking  …… well, let’s just say isn’t a word or concept I want to associate with now. Being inside an office building all day is stifling no matter how much you love your job. I remember taking in the fresh air as I walked to my car each day and that sense of being free would once again return.
And it’s funny because there are days now in retirement that I don’t leave the house and I never have that feeling of being locked up. Of course when we take our neighborhood walks, they add a special lift to the day for Riley and me.
Why yes, I still have the same desire to get things done, only now I get to set the pace. And getting totally absorbed in what I am doing has so many more benefits mentally when you know you are not up against the clock. When I worked, I was lucky to get weekends off, many don’t. But even then my days off always seemed to go by so quickly before the grind-cycle started all over.
I guess that is why for me retirement is so precious.
And why I believe everyone has a different view on what retirement is or will be for them.
I love embracing what it means to me.
I love being a home-body.
I love taking Riley to the dog park in the middle of the afternoon on a warm February day.
I love early morning sunrises with coffee in my hand and Riley nearby.
I love sleeping in if I want to.
I love writing and journaling.
I love prayer and meditation time.
I love long talks with dear friends.
I love cooking while listening to music and dancing like I am a teenager.
And I love bingeing on TV shows or watching movies that make me laugh in the middle of the day when I want.
I love not having an alarm clock going off in the mornings. (Someone recently said to me they can’t wait until they no longer need to set an alarm, no matter what day it is!)
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We all must find what it means to live a healthy and meaningful life, especially in retirement. For some it’s traveling, volunteering or socializing. And for some, the thought of not working is not a goal. What’s important is that you give yourself permission to do you. Not what others think you should do in retirement.
I know the things that sets my soul on fire and I am so grateful that I am here to experience and enjoy them.
I am not giving up trying new things and expanding my knowledge.
Oh no no no no.
I just understand that when I let things flow naturally I am at peace and the path I walk brings me closer to God.
So even though I have plans for today, I will sit here with my second cup of coffee letting the day unfold naturally knowing that my desire for a slow quiet life is truly a gift and will not be taken for granted.
Thank you God.
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Dear God, I am so very grateful for this life and Your daily blessings that touch my heart and soul. I am so thankful for this little bundle of fur that brightens each day and gives me so much joy. God, it’s You who provides me the strength to persevere in my faith and overcome obstacles as I walk on the path of this life with You. Amen.