One of the biggest shifts involved in transitioning from your career to Chapter X is how you approach your day. During work, you know what your day will hold with a high degree of certainty. The level of engagement might vary from a nice even flow to a breakneck pace.
But during Chapter X, the day might hold several activities or none at all. The mental approach is what is important. It’s ok to have a day devoid of actions—but probably not if it’s the norm that goes on from week to week and month to month.
Personally, I have gained an appreciation for having no more than three activities on my calendar for the day. I have enjoyed the space in between to think, read, listen to music, connect with others, take a walk, sit in the sun, or visit with my granddaughters.
The challenge for me is to undo decades of beliefs that I have to be engaged eight to ten hours a day. I have to remind myself that the habits built in childhood are not useful or needed now. Having space to allow thoughts and ideas to coalesce is valued time.
But sometimes, I forget and get stressed. It’s a process!
What about you? Are you experiencing some of the same thoughts and feelings?
