It’s been a hot second since I’ve been here and boy, has a lot happened! I’ve had kids get engaged, one graduate college, one got married and all of them are now in their 20’s. I received my Masters Degree, got married, and became the Director at the library. And that’s just the highlights! So now what?
With so many milestones taking place, and a bit of free time now available to me, I’m at a bit of a loss as to what to do. For years I’ve been juggling roles that left every second of the day filled with tasks. The To Do List never emptied. But now there is time. Roles have shifted and some disappeared altogether, leaving me to ponder what it is that I’m supposed to be doing now. Sure I can tackle all that cleaning and de-cluttering that I’ve put off, read those books I’ve been waiting to enjoy, write, exercise, hike, and all those other things that I put to the side in order to just get through life…but I can’t seem to get started. I lack motivation, the pressure of a deadline, the creative drive…and it scares me.
In just two years a lot has changed in my life. I have fallen deeper into that empty nester phase and with the elimination of schooling and a job that is finally a career, I’m not sure how to proceed. This is my time and that concept makes me feel a bit anxious due to my self-analytical personality. I knew I was in trouble when my counselor (another new thing that’s developed during my hiatus) asked me what my hobbies were and I told her that I didn’t know. My exact answer was “I usually say writing and taking walks, but I don’t actually do that anymore.” I didn’t like that response because I knew that to have balance, I needed something outside of work, family, and To Do Lists. I needed to find something that I enjoyed and stimulated my emotional, physical, and mental well-being. So, me coming back here to ramble through my thoughts is part of reconnecting with myself, part of the journey in getting to know me.
So, here are some things that I’m going to explore over the next few months in an effort to reconnect and explore interests. I’m putting them here as a means of accountability. However, maybe some of you are also struggling with an identity makeover as well, this list might help spark your own or give you some ideas.
Why Not Give It a Try
- Read books for enjoyment (helps with conversations and relaxation, plus stimulates the mind).
- Get outside…even if it’s just sitting (helps improve mood and can lead to other activities).
- Find a physical activity – stretching, walking, VR…something (again, mood booster and increases health. This can also be paired with #2 and #5).
- Write (stimulates the mind, engages the imagination, reconnects with a part of me that is lost).
- Explore new hobbies and opportunities (a new stage of life means new discoveries… take up bird watching, travel…see where the road takes you. This provides stimulation, excitement, and motivation).
- Connect with others (reconnect with old friends, visit family, write letters, spend quality time with spouse and kids).
What are some things on your list? What is something you wish to take on but have found that life simply got in the way of accomplishing that goal? How do you navigate the changes in your life in order not to lose you? Share your thoughts and experience, you never know who you may be helping when you do so.
And if you read this post to the end….thank you. :) Here’s to a new year and a new you!
~Pax tibi
Coffee Dribble 