Unbusy

I retired in May and I promised myself that I would just relax through the month of June. No starting on new projects around the house or online. No stressing about the loss of half of my monthly paycheck and whether or not I should look for a part-time job to supplement my income.

I thought about how since the age of three I had been in school or working (or sometimes both), and finally at the age of 59 I was able to retire and do whatever I wanted. Or do nothing at all. I wanted to savor that. And I wanted to consider how much “doing nothing” I wanted to do going forward.

I recently ran across a 2019 article that captured the very idea that I’ve been contemplating. “Why I’m Choosing to be Unbusy in Retirement” explores the possibility of not cramming your day full of projects that you must complete.

“…allowing the day to unfold at its own pace without feeling like I have to justify my time. I’m learning to let go of the need to prove myself to other people – to make retirement look productive, and instead I’m living it on my own terms and at my own pace.”

Cresting The Hill

I mean, isn’t that one of the main reasons behind retiring in the first place? I, for one, am ready to turn off the machine and sit still more often. I think it will be good for the soul.