I’ve been reading other’s blogs as suggested in our Blogging 101 assignment. I discovered beautiful photos, interesting stories, inspiration, struggles, successes, sources of pride, and responses to Blogging 101 and Writing 101. I’m enjoying the exploration. It’s always a comfort to discover others marching to the same music.
What actually inspired me to create another post? Several comments I read referring to experiencing guilt for no longer working. This was said by folks who have retired.
That’s when I realized I must be marching to a different tune. I had to retire a couple years early due to a bout with cancer. I am THRILLED to be out of the work force. I had a wonderful position that afforded me countless opportunities for accomplishment. But I worked hard and put in my time. I can now look back, think about the things I made happen, feel that sense of pride and then be damn happy I don’t have to do it any more. I have to admit, the transition was a bit challenging. I found myself involved in volunteer efforts for awhile but realized my health compromised my ability to perform well. I gave myself permission to say no. The power to say no provides relief. Freedom!
My time is spent the way I choose. I still put in hours of work (not always 😜) but on personal pursuits. All those things I said I’d like to do if I had the time. I tend to procrastinate at times, but who cares? I have goals and objectives but the timeline is much more relaxed. There are a lot of “buts” now and that’s OK. I give myself permission. Freedom!
Another stage of life I experienced years ago was menopause. Glorious menopause! Many women are sad when it arrives as though it threatens their very identity as a woman. Is that the only thing that defines who you are? I have never doubted the fact that I am a woman. Freedom!
Three years ago I had cancer. It was necessary for me to undergo two different chemo treatments simultaneously – treatments for the cancer in my body and another type of chemo for the mass in my brain. They worked. I had the typical side effect from all that chemo…I lost all my hair. All of it. On my head, arms, legs, face… everywhere. Alas! I no longer had to shave, pluck or curl. I loved it! So many women go through a mourning process when they lose their hair. Not me. I was not destined for the walk of shame. I had done nothing to cause this, the loss was out of my control. Relax and enjoy. Be grateful for the treatment. It sure beats the alternative. Again, Freedom! Just a note: almost all my hair grew back.
There are certainly advantages to reaching this stage of my life and, of course disadvantages. Each decade is a new experience. Embrace what you can do and don’t sweat the stuff you can’t. Enjoy the now and enjoy the Freedom!
DISCOVERY 