My husband Martin and I retired in 2018. I retired involuntarily with a disability, my husband retired voluntarily and with the honor of having served his country and his state for over 30 years, in the military and law enforcement.
Two very different sets of circumstances but with the same result – what do we do now?!?
After the celebration of his retirement was done and all of our friends went home, we really weren’t sure what to do with our time. It seemed like there was still an obligation to always be at hand – that if we wanted to go somewhere we needed to check with the powers that be for scheduling. About a year after his last day of work, we went on a cruise with friends. Ok, I’ll be honest – I forced him to go on a cruise with friends.
Two weeks may seem like a looooong time on a ship, but it flew by. About the third day, Martin and I were standing on our balcony, watching the water go by. It was beautiful and peaceful, and he gave me some insight about his mindset. He said that his entire career was focused on getting somewhere. He had always heard people talk about “enjoying the journey,” but that he just never had. It was always about getting everything ready, getting everyone in the car, getting there, doing the thing and getting back.
Now, however, he was actually enjoying the journey – the “getting there” part of the trip. He didn’t have to drive, he didn’t have the responsibility of everyone’s safety, and he didn’t have to be back on a certain day to cover a shift. He could relax and just enjoy each day without counting down the hours he had left. His “journey” mindset had shifted.
So, I ask you – do you enjoy each day as it is given to you? What is your “journey” mindset? Even if you are still working, you CAN choose to enjoy each day. You may choose to enjoy a book on “tape” during your drive to work, or stop for a favorite treat on your way home. Maybe you have littles around you whose antics are funny, or you get 5 minutes of peace while they’re down for a nap.
Whatever your day, take a few minutes at the end of it to examine your “journey” that day. Get a piece of paper and just start writing. Good, bad, ugly – write it ALL down and then find the good. Circle it. Write it again, and CHOOSE to remember that part of your journey.
My prayer for you today is that you will be able to see the positive moments in your daily journey and that gratitude for them will help you enjoy tomorrow just a bit more.
Love,
Elizabeth
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