I have mentioned before that one of the early blogs I contributed to was the "Mirror Project" that posted photos from contributors showing reflections of the world that in someway reflected the photographer. It was a fun project, it kept me looking for shiny objects. It ended when literally someone dropped it, dropped the server all of the postings were saved on. The last time I checked parts of it had been restored from bits and pieces, but the down time kind of ended that one for me. Still I find myself stopping to take a photo of a reflection.
I saw the good doctor recently, I was pleasantly surprised that I had only gained 3 pounds in the past year, I was sure I was up 10 or 20 pounds. We talked, she is nice and fun and understanding of what I want, of what I feel is important. I commented that I have largely my dream job, she said her nephew asked her recently about becoming a doctor, she said "I had to think about that, but yes, I am right where I dreamed I would be." A small, local general practice.
Many of us work to much, worry to much, don't take as good of care of ourselves as we should. I thought I gained more weight, because I have neglected to make time for walking, for eating better, for stepping away to refresh. We all need that. We think these challenges go away when we retire, but as dear departed cousin Bill put it, "the biggest problem with retirement, is you never get a day off." We get a day off because we allow ourselves to take one. A day off is a change of pace, a change of environment. For those of us who have been working from home, the scene does not change unless we move. I always dreamed I would someday live walking distance from the office, but I really thought it would be more than 10 feet. I can see my office from my bed, and my bed from my office, and it makes it harder to seperate the two.
If we don't take care of ourselves, we won't be here to care for others, or save the world (at least our little corner of it.)
When I look in the mirror what do I see? Someone who needs to step away for a couple of days, someone who needs to care for himself.
What reflection do you see?
Your late cousin was very wise. I've said this before but I imagined me achieving all sorts of things in retirement, which I have not done. I get less done than when I was working and I've failed to involve myself with any groups or more social contacts than those on the internet. And you know? I don't care. I am very content with my life, aside from I could do better health maintenance wise.
ReplyDeleteWe are glad you have connected with the bloggers,
DeleteI agree. We can have the job, the house, the car and the "things" but if we don't care for ourselves those "things" are meaningless and useless. We need to put ourselves higher on the list.
ReplyDeleteCan I go home soon?
DeleteYour cousin Bill’s statement: "the biggest problem with retirement, is you never get a day off” is, I think, quite profound and accurate. I came to it with the attitude that every day is a day off. But if you continue to live a full and active life, that’s not true by any means. I regularly remind myself that I’m permitted days when I don’t HAVE TO DO anything. I’m still not good at that.
ReplyDeleteAs for my reflection, not a good time for me to say what I see. But this will pass.
Jay plans days off. You are handsome
DeleteI hear the Supremes singing Reflections as I think, "Damn. It's time to shave again, already?"
ReplyDeleteI will have to look that one up
DeleteI see someone who's been through a lot and survived it all, and has a life I am grateful for and enjoy. Also, I have more poundage than I care for.
ReplyDeleteSassybear
www.idleeyesandadormy.com
I am in shape, pear is a shape
DeleteI see someone who needs to step away. I have found working from home means working a lot more than I did before. And with less movement. I need to get up and move.
ReplyDeleteAnd it is 34 here today
DeleteWhat do I see in the mirror! Someone who LOVES retirement! I don't need a day off from it! P.S. that's a great photo of your reflection.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to it
DeleteSpo-reflections, of course.
ReplyDelete