September 17, 2015

Time of rediscovery

I am a retired Baby Boomer.

The second month of this new freedom finds me seeking my identity, post-work, and reevaluating what I want from life. In spite of this wide-open space filled with opportunities to uncover, I remain stuck remembering hurtful remarks made trying to demean and break my spirit -- "put me in my place". One particular comment of "who do you think you are?" continues to hold me captive. I earned my degree in journalism and heard, "it's about time" with no effort of a congratulations for this accomplishment.

These negative judgements, perhaps bullying, have been roadblocks in my quest to change, grow and challenge myself throughout life as in the depths of my soul, I believed what people told me. But, I am my father's daughter. He had such an ability to rise above injuries, surgeries and medical conditions, to create something new in his life. And, I am my father's daughter.


Dreaming - it's what I do, spending time musing about what could be and how to achieve that which I dream about. 
 
I have some accomplishments, am open to change, forgave the lost opportunities, and can focus on what plans emerge in my musings. ...and yet, the bully-statements get me in the gut.
 
As I said, I am my father's daughter, so borrowing from him and to prepare for life in retirement -- 
  • I took a class at Northern Michigan's Interlochen Fine Arts Camp, where we designed, brainstormed and created blogs. I found my cubbyhole, an activity that feeds my soul and allows for my writing and telling of stories -- in particular, freedom to share my life without verbal judgement. I am The Barefoot Norwegian.
  • I tore our small galley kitchen apart, chose calming new colors, and proceeded to sand, paint, toss and create a pleasant and peaceful place to create meals.
  • I meet with a "life coach" (a person who counsels and encourages clients on matters having to do with careers or personal challenges - Oxford Languages). I cherish the personal time where the coach hears me and guides my many musings and directions, while creating an acceptable action plan. I highly recommend finding a life coach if you are blocked, scared to move forward, or want to bounce ideas around.
  • Learning to accept that I'm an equal to others and having goals are important at any age.
Baby steps...

8 comments:

  1. This is a great start to your retirement. Remember there are many women that didn't reach their full potential or success until their 60's and 70's! You go!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kim. You are a true motivator - always have been mine. I am reminded of women authors and painters who began at "empty nest" to express their actual self. It is humbling to begin this journey. Love you

      Delete
  2. How WONDERFUL! Think about this, "if you didn't know how old you were, how old would you be?" And zebra stripes are superficial. You may look the same, but BEHAVIORS can change. If a zebra could add color, it might or it might not. You are not an animal. You have choices. Make them, darlin! Make them! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Regina, thank you for your support - the life coaching aspect of our friendship is quite refreshing and I feel energized with a slew of choices yet to be made.

      Delete
  3. A great start to your retirement. Keep writing. I feel a book stirring in my soul.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mark, my dear. You have always supported what I've done - even as far as training with me for DALMAC when you were but 13 years old (remember the 100 mile day when I got us lost by Gregory, Michigan?). I do plan another book, whether it be fiction, nonfiction, or a series of essays. One word at a time. Thanks so much.

      Delete
  4. I hope you don't pay any attention to the negative comments about being too old to start something new and now that you're retired you don't have to do anything, why would you. People just don't know any better when their mouths run. Do what you want when you want :) Love you sister!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Laura. Yes, I try to tune out the naysayers - and there are plenty, amazingly. I appreciate your comment.

      Delete

Showering with an Introvert

Standing naked in the shower after a hot day of biking on this tour, I tried to use one of the poles as a barrier to the mass of women mulli...