Retirement is not without Hassles: Let’s not have any today #27

I had another work dream, or should I say nightmare, last night.  I guess it was the result of a lunch meeting I had a few days ago.  A guy I once worked with wanted me to help him launch a syndicated radio show and in the process try to find some sponsors.  Sounds like work to me!  I did get a free lunch, but there really is no such thing.  I’m just not motivated to do anything but write, but I can’t even sell my own writing – so why sell someone else’s work?  I do have a meeting with an illustrator in a couple of weeks to discuss a children’s poem that I wrote.  I would like to bring it to “life” with some whimsical drawings to go along with the story line.

Today marked my 3,000th consecutive day of running, an accomplishment that has taken 8.214 years, so far.   I started on 12/29/2008, hoping to complete 1,000 days to mark my 60th birthday.  I’m currently ranked 210th by the United States Running Streak Association www.runeveryday.com.  That simply means that 209 other people have already reached this mark to achieve greater levels.  I’ll keep going as long as I can, knowing that it’s the one consistent thing that has bridged my working days to my retirement days.   I feel that this has been an important aspect of making the adjustment to retirement.  My days continue to start the same way every day, and I’m sure the exercise is helping in maintaining good health and reducing any depression associated with job satisfaction.  I must say that I have not experienced any depression from not working, but dealt with lots of it while working!

Life’s hassles do not go away with retirement.  Hassles seem to grow larger since you have more time to deal with them. Patience can grow thin, as sometimes it seems there is a “retired” stamp on your forehead, as others sense that you have more time.  Cover your forehead as you’re waiting in line, for example.  Also, try to create that sense of urgency that you always had when you were working and were pressed for time.  Otherwise, you’ll spend all your time waiting for answers rather than enjoying life.

I’m hoping for a hassle-free day today.  The sun is shining for once, so I can get the dogs outside and enjoy the lack of rain.  It’s the first day of the NCAA basketball tournament, and I have plenty of time to find a great place to watch some of the action.  My team is already out, but there will be plenty of great stories written today and throughout the month of March.