by Vince
I am very much a sun person. I need to see it and feel it most days or things seem a little glum. Last week, the sun took a vacation and gray days took center stage much of the time. I don’t mind gray as much when it rains, but I don’t see the need for those kinds of days otherwise. The environment is a significant contributing factor in how I feel and it very much contributes to what I am motivated to do. I can assure you that I will never live where the sun doesn’t shine at least 80% of the time.
Needless to say, it was a pretty unproductive week. I even got tired of working on my cognitive improvement development via playing video games. I seemed to be in one of those “in between times”. I didn’t want to minimize or organize or start a new project. I just wanted to sit in the recliner and think. At one point, I needed a break from thinking, so I called one of my old college buddies and I told him how I was feeling. He said he was feeling the same way. In fact, he said, “Why do today, if it can wait until tomorrow, that’s what retired people are supposed to do”. We both agreed and we had a good laugh. So now, with this confirmation that what I was feeling is normal, I don’t feel so bad not getting much accomplished.
When I get in one of these quandaries, I usually revert to internet surfing. I just type in some words that express my mood and magically some suggestions appear. Maybe they don’t appear instantaneously but something will show up after only a few clicks of the mouse. It seems “in between” is indeed normal and it signifies that it’s a good time to relax, reflect and unwind from productivity and commitments. For so many years, having to go to work, most of my time was dominated by maximum productivity and one commitment after another. It seems strange being able to just accept the idea that it’s ok to take a break from time to time. Even after almost of a year of retirement, not accomplishing “something” each and every day feels a bit strange. Of course, if Judy were here I am sure she would give me some “motivation” to get off my butt and get something done. Usually I hear, “Well I guess I’ll take a vacation from cooking today or I’m sorry you don’t have clean clothes, I took an at home vacation”. Since I am fending for myself, at the moment, I don’t have to worry about the repercussions of my decision to just veg. I am getting this post done, so that should account for something, right? I wonder if Judy will see it that way too?
Linda in NE says
Retirement has its privileges! I’ll agree with you about being a sun person. About three gray days in a row and I’m ready to just stay in bed & pull the covers over my head. Sunny days give me at least a little energy for getting things done. And Lord knows we’ve had enough gray days this past winter & spring.
Tricia says
It seems that artists accept the idea of down-time more readily than we 9-to-5 workers do. They appreciate the fact that the brain and body need down-time to gear-up for the next exciting idea or invention or big project. Since Judy is staying away for a few extra days, now is your chance! Rest, relax, chill to your heart’s content…while you still can!
JEAN says
Vince,
Yes, I get that way, too. S.A.D.D. And living in the Smokies, there are many days when there is only gloom. I love the sun. Sadder!
-Jean
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Nelle Coursey says
You are doing a good job, One day off is not going to hurt anyone. Besides Sunday is a day for reflection. You needed that. Sometimes we just need to sit down and do nothing.
Susan says
Ha, ha, gray skies are totally worthless, in my opinion. I loved Phoenix because almost every day was sunny, and during the monsoon, it was sunny except for maybe 2-3 hours of clouds and rain. That’s my kind of weather, and here I am in gray-and-cloudy-often Tennessee! I definitely need breaks. I don’t even want to concentrate on long paragraphs any more … but I read yours by hiding half at a time. LOL