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Friday, October 12, 2012

A Lesson in Slowing Down


 
 
 



Of the many changes that came with the decision to “early-retire,” most unexpected for me is the realization that having more time does not automatically mean getting more done— that the real gift of having more time is in learning to slow down.

Several years ago, when I was still in my 55-60 hour a week HR job, I was the only non-retired member in a weekly writing critique group. Often, I was the most fanatical about attending our meetings—once, when my leg was broken, I scuttled up a steep, rain-dampened fire escape on my butt to reach the meeting room.  It wasn’t unusual for me to be the only one with a new piece of writing for critique. I used to ask the retired guys what kept them from writing when they had all that time off. They said things like, “Time is different when you retire, you’ll see.”

So after 5 weeks of what Jim now refers to as “retirement practice” I am back to work 3 days a week and here’s what I have learned. Slowing down felt so good, I want to stay slowed down.

Gone is that burning need to be on my computer by 4:30 or 5 A.M. to write or edit, on my bike or powerwalking by 6, squeezing in housework or prepping dinner before  rushing through the motions to shower and dress  by 7,  setting my cruise control for just over the limit to be at my desk by 8.

You know the cliché about smelling the roses—when I decided to work less, I knew I would love the newfound time for Jim and family, writing and smelling the salt air.  

But let’s face it—I am an over-achiever. So, what surprises me most about the gift of more time is the utter joy in simply Slowing Down!

10 comments:

  1. A big lesson we all learn in retirement. it takes a while to adjust but once you know the joy there is no going back. Wonderful isn't it.
    Bella xxx

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    1. yes wonderful...and now my challenge is not letting my 3 day work week creep into working everyday

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  2. Carol ~ You sound like me. Getting up at 4:30, etc.. We over-achievers, huh? I have 7 years before I can retire and the thought of "slowing down" is so appealing. Luckily, I'm a speech-language pathologist working for a public school so I get practice during the summer. I totally love it! ~ Peggy

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    1. I often wonder how I missed the fact that teachers are off all summer when I was deciding what to be when I grow up - love that you get to practice (and write, I suspect) in the summer

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  3. Carol: I have often felt that way on vacation, when we are in a far off place that is 20-30 minutes from a main road. The pain of getting somewhere forces me to stay put and just read, daydream, nap or wander in my near space. I have always enjoyed it and fantasized that this is what retirement will be like. I think we are wired to do this when we hit 60 and I am hopeful that my slow lane is not too far off -- maybe 62 if the stars are aligned. Glad you are smelling the roses. I wonder how long that 3-day work week will last?

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    1. LOL! Carol took over my slot because:

      a: I had procrastinated ala Chris' post two weeks ago.
      b: I was derailed from my post by the need to jump to respond to a political issue.

      Thanks for a good lesson, Carol. And, for a good idea for my next post. I start writing it...NOW!

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    2. Chris, are you suggesting my 3 days will increase to more?yikes!!? or decline to zippo?

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  4. When I wrote it, I was thinking you might decide to give up on the 3 days and totally slow down, but now that I think of your overachieving gene, perhaps it could be the other way around too. I guess it will depend on how charged you are about the work. Perhaps it won't feel like work. Glad you are enjoying it... whatever you call it.

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  5. A nice transition.

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  6. One of the upsides of pregnancy for me was that it forced me to literally slow down. It was a good practice for someone like me who sprints through so much of life.

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