Moody Monday: One Month In

There must be a lot of fast pedestrians on this street, that is six minutes a mile, my average is closer to 23 minutes a mile. 

I was in Louisville, Kentucky for a conference and met a bunch of people that have known me for years.  Many asked how I was settling into retirement.  Today is one month since I turned in my office computer, handed my keys over to Travis, deleted my office email and started the newest chapter in my life.  

So how am I settling in?  I am sleeping well, often 9 hours a night.  Back in my go-go-change the world days, I managed on 6 or 7 hours a night, and often wished that I could just stay home for one entire day.  I am sleeping later, and sleeping well. 

I have occasional moments when I think what do I need to do now, and the answer is whatever I feel like. 

I have only had one or two brief moments of thinking "what have I done?" or questioning if I did this too soon.  

I am worrying a little less, still moving into "don't worry, be happy" mode.  I had lunch with my successor a week ago, and had to remind myself afterwards that the challenges are hers now, not mine.  I am glad to help, but it is not my responsibility any longer.  Her biggest challenge at the moment is too much work, not enough people.  She is trying to hire someone.  

I am sorting out self identity.  I had dinner with a friend and her husband, I had not met her husband before.  I said to him, "so tell me about yourself?" His answer was to describe his work and the business he owns. Our self identity is often tied to your work, and when that changes, we have to figure out how to define self.  I am moving in the direction of attorney-consultant. I don't really want to return to representing clients, but I would like to continue doing training and evaluation projects.  

I think I am about where I should be at this point.