What Retired Do
We may be among many that are retired from the W2 jobs, but we are no way retired from participating in daily duties to keep hearth and home safe and viable. We also have many th0ughts and care about our children’s lives. That doesn’t end no matter how old the children get. Mom taught me that even when she was well into her 90s.
We should all be able to have joy in our lives. Joy is what keeps us believing, trying and achieving. Joy is not 24/7 in our face. Joy is what we feel in our hearts when the quiet of day sets in and we do that “re-run” at the end of the day.
I make my own joy each day. That wasn’t always so. We make our own roads along the way. If we have not found fulfillment in our choice of a certain road, thus bringing no joy . . . it is our own asphalt. Yes, I said asphalt. When that has happened to me, I have had to own it. Not because it was anyone else’s doing. God gave me free choice. There is no one to blame. If I ever thought there was, a quick peek into the bathroom mirror, shows me the culprit. No complaining, no blaming, just owning it.
These thoughts made me think of the kid’s grandpa, Art. He could tear apart a tractor and put it back together in his sleep. Art had always wanted to have a repair shop of his own . . . and never did. Was it because of the sense of responsibility to family, or lack of backing. He wore it well and always gave 110% to his employer. That was sad to observe.
When we seek our joy, we go at it whole heartedly. That is not to say there are not stumbling blocks. In 76 years, I could build a fortress around our home on Stauffer Avenue with them. I don’t hang onto those stumbling blocks as it would only drag behind me like a dead horse . . . or a team of horses. Hanging on, it would only be a negative of what energy I need going forward. Positive energy! Carrie would get weary of me when I would tell her, “Save the best and leave the rest.” Saving that best was just as good as a boost in the butt, much like vitamins.
The true joy is that a challenge has been put out there and I gave it all I had. I was also the one that would have to acknowledge that I tried, gave it my all and knew when there was another road for me to take and travel forward. It’s not a bad mantra to take hold of. But . . . let me tell you, I don’t give in or up easily. When I see that the forward has not gone well or is not healthy for me in spirit, mentally and physically, I will not let it continue to become a negative. That would be harmful to myself and those that I love. Ahh . . . free choice and ownership. Life’s story.
So . . . I continue taking great care of hearth and home. I take great care of myself. I take great care of Dennis. I have much left over for my children . . . a huge portion of my joy. Doing what I do best in my retirement.