Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Peace and Contemplation in the Pandemic

I know the pandemic has not been easy for many people and that they have many struggles to contend with.  I feel very fortunate that for me,  this has been a tremendous opportunity to reevaluate exactly what I want to do in the next chapter of my life.

I am in my sixties and have been semi-retired for the past couple of years.  I wasn't sure if I wanted to fully retire or continue working for a while longer.  The issue I was having is that I haven't enjoyed my job for a very long time.  I'm good at it and it was plentiful but very little of it was satisfying and almost all of it was stressful. 

Now, with an almost complete global shut-down, it has given me time to pause and to truly reflect on life.  I am a serious introvert so spending time alone does not bother me.  On the contrary, it is essential for me to maintain my balance.   I didn't realize just how much until we were told to stay in. 

It has been a relief not to be required to be anywhere.  I have had no issues getting food and supplies delivered to my home.  As a matter of fact, I will probably continue this long after this crisis has passed.  I don't like to shop and this has been such a great way to get everything I need.

My daughters have worried that I might become too much of a hermit, but it truly is my happy place.  I have so many projects that keep me busy so I am never bored and have enough interaction with my family and friends that I don't feel lonely.  Isolation is just not an issue for me.  If anything, it has given me a chance to catch my breath and take time just for me.

Now, with the world slowly reopening, I have to think about what I want to do going forward.  What I do know, is that whatever it is, it will have to be what makes me happy.  Nothing else will do!