December was one of those months that just left me run over. Or maybe it was the couple of months before. I’m supposed to be RETIRED! That means I’m tired twice, right? It seems that has been my mantra for ages. I’m tired and dragging my buns behind me or sometimes I’m so tired I’m behind my buns.
Dec 25 2017 Last years snow
Dec 25 2018 This years snow. Big difference
I looked around and saw projects that need doing. So many projects and so much basic work that I finally realized I was waking up every morning with a chronic sense of overwhelm. I’ve finally put Christmas away. It’s not that there was a lot out this year, I’m just slower at putting it back.
This one is done and mailed.
I found out why I’m so tired after my physical in October. I have some health challenges that are being addressed and I need to start taking things a little more gently. It doesn’t help when I set my bar higher and higher and wonder why I’m spinning in circles with nothing getting done.
Christmas tea with my daughter at the quilt retreat center. I forgot to photograph before it was all gone.
Lunch at a quilting friends home for our group of six
This year I am taking back some time. I’ve given up some of my outside activities to concentrate more on the internal activities. Wellness is a mindset and mine needs a reset.
I’ve noticed that a lot of my favorite bloggers are not blogging as often either. Many have life challenges and often, when life gives you a load of manure, you use all your energy trying to excavate the pony rather than talk about it. You take a deep breath, pull in your resources and come up with a game plan before you venture out the into the world again.
Jan 1 2018 Super moon on a foggy night
Quiet time is very healthy and I hold a space in my heart for all the bloggers that need that time. I’m wishing you all well too. Going away from this community is not an option for me right now. It gives me hours of encouragement and enlightenment as I see others traverse this treacherous trail of life. I’m traveling a little slower for the time being. I’ll be here for you too.
From my heart to yours,
Marlene Herself
insearchofitall 
Comments on: "Reset Priorities" (84)
You rock and I love the concept of re-tired! I do find it annoying when life has the audacity to interfere with blogging. I wish life would get it’s priorities straight! Love to you ~
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Thanks so much, Cindy. You make me smile reading your note. I love visiting you and your brilliant photos cheer my days. Keep them coming. You are a genius at them.
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I too thought about closing down my blog. I just can’t. I would miss it too much and all my friends here. Everyone seems to be fighting some kind of fight. We need to stick around just to give each other encouragement if nothing else.
I’m so sorry you are not doing well. That makes me sad. Yet, you manage to do so much more than me! You inspire me, my friend. Keep on being you. ❤
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The one thing I want to inspire you to do is to take care of yourself first! Then do what you love. I know you have a great responsibility but if you aren’t there, who will do that? Find your joy somewhere. I was losing mine and it affects the body, so back to square one. Here! I’m glad you are hanging in there with me. Giant squishy hugs.
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So well expressed Marlene. This is a good time to let go and take time to nurture ourselves. I am not pushing myself to blog, just letting it happen when I feel inspired. As we age we must find a new kind of balance in our lives. Nourishment and wellbeing is much more important that accomplishing and finishing projects. They are, most of the time, just figments of our habitual thinking and shoulding! 💛
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Thank you so much for the confirmation of my decision. I have been shoulding on myself for way too long and the anxiety has taken a tole on my physicality. Balance is a tricky thing for me and many. A great learning process but this feels right. Hugs and thanks. M
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When it feels right it usually is. I’m glad 💛
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Glad to see you here today! If I may be so honest, reading about you having “put Christmas stuff away,” I realized with a gulp that I have NOT. Hahah. At ALL. I kind of got used to it and forgot about it. 😀 I’m no interior decorator, but it’s entirely funny that all the Christmas stuff has just blended in with the existing decorations. :’D
In any case, I’m glad you’re intending to take things a little more easy, that you are tending to your health, and that you’ve got your priorities straight. We all love to hear from you, but we also accept that you can post only when you can. <– If that makes sense. lol. It sounds like you had a wonderful holiday season, that you got to spend some quality time with friends (and one day, when I'm not quite so busy, I'd love to learn to quilt…all those colors just make me dizzy with glee!) and that although there wasn't much snow, your tiny snowman this year made me smile big! 😀
Sending you big hugs and wishes for continued health, hope and love!
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I came to the conclusion that I would rather write and read than quilt or sew. I don’t have the energy for all of it so I will do the things I want to do from now on and leave the rest for someone else. 🙂 I left Christmas up until April one year thinking I’d do a Christmas in July for our snow bird neighbors. My place is small and the tree was too large. I’m in the “everything must go” stage. I have always “LOVED” Christmas but life is offering a lot of change so I’m ready to go with the flow. I believe in decorating with things you love. When you don’t like looking at it anymore, then you can take it down. Until then, enjoy! I’m going to try and catch up a bit now. Sitting in bed with a heating pad on my back. 😉 It’s feels decadent.
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After putting my very small Christmas away I firmly decided that I really have no interest in doing it again next year so my little tree got passed on to one of my daughters. Priorities change along with life. We have to adapt to what works and what is important at the time. Stay well Marlene.
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I’m with you 100% on the Christmas thing, Deb. Told my son the same thing. I have divided up the ornaments in two tubs with each child’s name on them and they can do what they want with the rest. Told my son that if he puts the tree up next year, like he did this year, he’d better be here to take it all down again. I could have a good sized yard sale next spring or early fall. You stay well too. You have important work still to do.
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Re-tired indeed, tired all over again! Perhaps that should be Re-retired… Stick with us, dear Marlene, we need your good sense and encouragement. I wish you Re-solve to keep to your plans, Re-spite from your fatigue and symptoms, Re-sumption of the activities that do you good and keep your spirits up, Re-newal of your enthusiasm and joie de vivre, and Re-freshment after a good rest from the Christmas nonsense.
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You have such a way with words, Kate. They make me smile. I was trying to present this challenge in the best possible light and to not illicit sympathy. From your response, I’ve done that. 🙂 I think I can give up everything else but I miss you all when I stay away too long. Thanks for being there. Here’s to mind over matter. Hugs. M
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I couldn’t give my blog up either, it’s where most of my friends are! It sounds a bit sad, but you can’t always choose where your friends live, and if they’re on other continents, well, you do the best you can via technology 🙂
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I can’t tell you how much I agree with this point of view. Just imagine life without the technology.
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Hey there Marlene…
Spirits are hard to keep lifted when we live in the land of all gray all the time. And the gray just adds to the already felt overwhelm-ness of life. I was an MIA for almost a year.
Being a quilter and a perfectionist I know I add a lot to my plate unnecessarily. (I’m not assuming you do the same. Just talking me here.) Last year out of necessity, I had to work at becoming “unbusy”. (Have you noticed the world has decided if one is retired… that it is not the time to relax but is the perfect time to do… EVERYTHING…NOW! And that is what they promote.)
I’ve latched on to the book “Preset –OVER –Perfect” Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, more Soulful Way of Living. by Shauna Niequist. We can’t be all things to all people, even ourselves.
We had a cookie-less Christmas… and we all survived.
Hope you find the balance you’re looking for.
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tYpO alErT…. The title is … Present Over Perfect.
Sheesh… This laptop has sticky keys. Usually it’s the ‘L’ that gives me the headache.
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I read it the way you meant it but I understand the frustration. 🙂
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Sounds like a perfect book for perfectionists. There were so many perfectionists in my quilt group that the fun went out of it so I’m only doing the things I want to for myself. My motto now is if it’s not fun, don’t do it. Cookie-less is a concept I’m not familiar with yet.:) I’ll work on that one. In the meantime, I love my visits here while wearing my PJ’s. 😉 My back went out so I’m down for a couple of days. Yoga stretches help but rest is also required. So sad. :)))) I’m glad you are back too.
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Sounds like you need to take care of you! Oh that gorgeous snowman quilt! That is something I’ve always wanted to do. Is it terribly difficult? Isn’t that the best thing about visiting on here, we get to wear our pajamas!
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The snowman quilt was a panel and all I had to do was add boarders, backing, quilt it and add binding. I have another one to finish here but can’t find my ’round tuit. 😉
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Maybe I could do that. If I can find my own ’round
tuit!
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🙂
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I’m with you, when I’m having a rough day, my blogging buds are always there to pick me up. Oh my….that snowman quilt is fabulous, Marlene! You’re so talented. Someone is will be very happy and cozy when they receive your gift. Happy New Year to you! xo
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The person I sent it to was quite happy with it as it’s not necessarily Christmas but effective for winter season which they have in our summer. It’s a small wall hanging so not too large but definitely cheerful. Yes, I would rather sit in front of the laptop than the sewing machine any day. Hope your new year is filled with wonder. Thanks for stopping by.
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Oh, Marlene, you always seem to have your fingers on the pulse of things! I enjoyed this post. I’m one of those bloggers whose been pulling back lately – I’ve got lots of excuses, but I they don’t really matter. I’ll get back in the swing of things soon, I know, because taking a little time off has made me realize (again) how much I enjoy the blogging community. 🙂 Also – my Christmas tree is still up! I’ve never left it up this long. Wish the brownies would come and put it away….
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Stacey, you make me laugh. Don’t worry, I had mine up until April in 2009. We had so much snow we couldn’t get the decorations to the shed they had to go in. It took a bobcat to shovel us out. So enjoy it and one day, the mood will move you to get it done. I like Christmas in July and have often thought about leaving it up till then. 🙂 When things get us down, we hide. I was trying to find a way to say things aren’t perfect right now and don’t want sympathy, just a few kind thoughts. I always feel better after I’ve visited my blogging friends. Keep writing about anything. We are here for each other. Hugs. M
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I am happy to report that the Christmas Tree is down. I feel like I should alert the media or something! But I can’t beat your April record. 🙂 I do believe that at that point, I’d just or decorate it for Easter, and every holiday till the next Christmas came. I am sending you lots of kind thoughts and wishes for good cheer. Spring is on it’s way. Hugs, Stacey
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Wishing you well for the year ahead, Marlene. Take care of your health and hope it picks up soon. Sometimes we just have to give ourselves space and self-love, and then come back to what we love doing a bit later 🙂
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That’s the plan, Mabel. Thank you for the good wishes. Hope your New Year is filled with wonder.
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Isn’t it weird, Marlene, how much pressure we put on ourselves to rush around and do stuff, even though we are retired and have earned the right to go slow? It sounds like your body took over and told you it’s time to rest! If you feel more like writing and reading than sewing, I say go for it! I am awfully glad to know you’re not going to stop blogging . . .
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Thanks, Kerry. I have older friends that do so much more that I feel inadequate. But I do what I can and it looks like the sewing will be strictly personal and for fun. Time to take the lid off the pressure cooker. 🙂
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Retired = Tired twice. I love that! And, I love your blog. Take it easy, Marlene. Slowing down is a good thing for body and soul. My best to you! ❤️
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Thank you so much, Jennie. I don’t like to slow down. It’s against my basic nature. I make lists and see how much and how fast I can get things done. I hate having to slow down but there is no choice in the matter so I’ll make the best of it. I have LOTS of books and blogs to read. 🙂
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You are very welcome, Marlene. On the up side, you have lots of reading time. And perhaps writing time? I loved your Suzy Q post on your sister.
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More Suzy Q coming. 😉
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Good!! 🙂
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I’m very pleased to hear you are “taking back some time” by cutting out certain things. It is essential to get the balance right and put yourself and your activities and interests first (as much as possible, if not always). I hope your health issues are under control soon – you don’t want to be dragging behind your buns for much longer…. xxx Take care 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by, Jill. I am working on the health issues. In the meantime, it’s going to be the work that stays behind and I’m just going take my time. Keep taking care of yourself as well.
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Marlene, I’m always impressed with the grace and humor with which you face life and it’s circumstances. I’ve been feeling this overwhelming need to “do more.” Maybe, I need to heed your advice and find what is actually “needed.” Take good care of yourself!
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Thanks, Missy. How is it we get on that hamster wheel that just keeps us running faster and faster but getting nowhere? My daughter gave me a sign a couple of years ago that said “Don’t just do something, sit there,” Trying to get me to be a human being not a human doing, I tend to be driven even when my old body says enough. I’m going to savor the things I do and not rush blindly through them anymore. Take care of yourself too, Missy.
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I need that sign too! Have a great week. 😊
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You nailed it, Marlene. The overwhelm sure is wearing and there really is no other choice but to step back and give yourself room to breathe and regroup. No cookies the last several years, no oven so no baking, I miss them and as soon as I get an oven I’m baking myself some cookies regardless of the time of year. We didn’t have the Christmas decorations or tree to put up and decided not to bother replacing any of the decorations, it’s just the spouse and me anyway and if we want to see decorations we’ll head to the stores (they certainly put them out early enough every year. I’m with you on the self-care and blog friends. Funny how some of the blog friends are closer and more caring than people you can visit easily. I miss those who are turning inward for awhile and hope they’ll be back when things are better. Take care of yourself.
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Thanks so much. I spend a lot of time focusing on what is good in my life and diminish the effect of what isn’t working. Someday’s it hard to stay positive when all the signs are in the opposite direction. But where attention goes, energy flows so I make it a point to not look at what’s going wrong and write down everything that is going right. I taught my daughter to this and she was stunned by the results in her life. She just started added a daily kindness that she does to add to her gratitude list. We all have real deep crap in our lives. Like I said, that’s when we have to start excavating for the pony. I hope you find your pony. It’s there somewhere.
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Hey Marlene, I’m also glad that you have finally put yourself first! This Christmas was the first one since I got married 37 years ago where I chose not to “do” it. We went away for a couple of nights, and it was perfect. No drama, no stuff to clean up and no complaints from anyone! I think I’m hooked!! The past year has been difficult for me and from what I’ve heard I’m not the only one. We let ourselves get caught up in the craziness of doing things that often don’t add all that much joy to our daily lives, except stress when we feel like we don’t measure up to …
It’s silly, and unhealthy. Hugs, and keep up the good work of self care ! 🙋
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Thanks, Sabine. Yes, it’s time to reset priorities. I love Christmas but it the work that needs to be done by young people. When they aren’t willing, it’s time to let it go. Along with a lot of other things. Sending you a note in a few minutes. Hugs.
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Very true! Talk to you soon! 🙋
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Lovely to see you on your blog again Marlene. Sorry to hear about your health issues. Good idea to calm and listen to your body. Take care.
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Thanks, Maja. If you don’t listen, the body smacks you up side the head and has it’s way. 🙂 Keep taking care of yourself.
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It sure does and I will.
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“I’m so tired, I’m behind my buns” LOL ! Hope your physicians Rx solves that whole dilemma. We haven’t had much snow this year at all either. It’s nice for driving but will no doubt be very dry this summer. I’m not allowing my self to be tired. It’s mind over matter for me because I have so so much to do before traveling to Australia. 3 weeks now. I know that’s not a possibility with health issues though, I hope you’ll feel right as rain soon hon. Your quilting project was adorable! I had my beautiful Marlene-a-go-go quilt out in the library. I sling it over the lean of sofa in there, so the kitties can’t sit on it 😀 They are hair depositing machines. Cute but oh so hairy. k Carpe Diem dearest xo K
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I’m glad you had a giggle. Fortunately my buns are the one thing on me that are small. 🙂 I’m working on the rest. I love working on those brightly colored projects and finding friends that might enjoy them. I’m so anxious to hear all about your trip. Details please! I have family in Australia and have always wanted to go see them. Oh well. We keep in touch on FB. 🙂 Have a wonderfilled week. Giant hugs. M
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“Wellness is a mindset and mine needs a reset.” Marlene, I think we could all benefit from your words. Sometimes life is like a “slow drip”. Do you know the old adage about throwing a frog into hot water? As the saying goes, if you throw a frog into hot water, it will jump out and save itself. But if you put the frog in water and gradually bring it to boil, it won’t notice, and will die. It’s a bit of a morbid analogy, but it’s always stuck with me. It’s that slow boil that does us in. We add one more thing and one more thing and suddenly, ca-pow. Of course, often it’s things outside of our control, but if so, it’s good to let other things go. I love you. I love your blog. And I’m with you and so many others: we have an amazing community here. I can’t imagine life without it. xo
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I had forgotten about the frog analogy but had heard it and now it seems quite relevant. I know this is where I need to be. I am writing this flat on my back tonight. Daughter was called this morning as my back went completely out. I had powered through it for the last 2 days with yoga stretches and good walks. The doctor this morning said it was the uphill that probably aggravated it. Daughter is staying through Tues to help me and fortunately, can work from home. It was really bad to make me call her and go to Urgent Care. Got a wonderful doc today so I’m on the mend again but still moving sloooow. 🙂 I am so blessed to have her. She is so good about stepping up to help me. This is quite the switch. 🙂 I’m being told by my body to just give it up and rest awhile. ;( Keep taking care of yourself and ease up a bit. It will bite you if you don’t. I’ll be here a long while yet. 🙂 Giant hugs. M
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Marlene, I’m so sorry to just be reading this now. You’re poor back! That’s the worst. I’ve had debilitating back pain at times in my life and I remember how bad it can be. You’ve raised a wonderful daughter. I’m so glad she could come help at a moment’s notice, and what a boon it is to be able to work from home. Giant (gentle) hugs back to you.
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Thanks, Alys. I’m getting better but slower than I’d like. My daughter has been down with bronchitis this week at her place. I tried to get her to come stay with me so I could wait on her but she doesn’t want to compromise my immune system ever though I’m sure if it was contagious, I’d already have been exposed. She’s better now too. It’s been a hard winter for so many. Glad to hear you had a lovely time and some sun. 🙂 It pops in here once in awhile. Hugs back.
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It has been a hard winter. The flu is especially brutal this year since the vaccine is only marginally effective. I’m glad you are both healing.
It’s amazing how just three days away in a warm beautiful climate was restorative. Of course when you’re away, you’re not doing the mundane things either, like laundry, dishes, cat litter duty, etc.
For some reason this comment didn’t show up in my regular notifications. I just found it in “unread.” WordPress has been a bit flaky for me these past few days. I’m glad I double-checked.
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Such words of wisdom, Marlene! I truly hope your back will settle down and the pain will completely subside. Little-by-little, step-by-step! We must be patient with ourselves, taking time to heal and recharge. That often means changing our priorities for a while. It sounds like you are doing just the right thing. ♥ I feel the very same way about our wonderful blogging community. I can’t imagine not blogging! I would miss it too much. So, I just write when I have time and come visit more slowly.
Gentle, healing hugs, sweet Marlene. So glad that your daughter has been there to help out. ♡
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Thank you, Dawn. I’m patient with everyone other than myself. 😦 Healing is coming along with the back. Soon back to my walks.
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Well, Marlene, I’m sorry to hear of your challenges. I’m glad to hear that you are taking care of yourself; always a bit of a challenge, I think. And I am doubly glad to hear you are not retreating from this Virtual Village. So many of us have been on some sort of sabbatical over the past year or so, but many are coming back, I find. I just sent you some info you may find interesting. If not, do delete. 🙂
I’m sending you a couple of other things, too. Again, if they are not for you, just ignore or delete. I like to share my resources, but am not attached to them being ‘right’ for others. And if you are flat on your back . . .
I know what you mean about some crafters becoming obsessed by perfection; for me, that does take much of the fun out of things. I was reading somewhere something by an older knitter from Norway, who said that it’s a modern thing; in the old days, if a woman made a mistake on a pair of socks or a sweater, it wasn’t corrected (especially if found rows later, I’d think) The article still did its job of keeping the person warm.For some time now I’ve been working on aiming for Good, not Perfect, in myself as well in things I do. That works much better for me.
As to busy-ness, I think you are on the downswing of that cycle and I am on the upswing. I like to be busy, but not rushed or forced in any way. It’s a rather delicate balancing act at times. I remember, too, that in one of Heinlein’s books, some characters had mastered the art of being present, or focused, or whatever you want to call it. They would appear to be rushing about to others, but in fact were calm and deliberate in themselves. I’m not there (yet!) lol
As to Christmas, I think people need to do what gives them joy; it’s different for everyone. The last Christmas I had with my own cooking and traditions, decorations, etc., was in 1996, so personally I’m looking forward to doing it again. The others were good, but not ‘mine’, if you know what I mean.
I like your snowman photos; last winter (16-17) we had little snow in Tacoma; this year lots on the first and second of Nov. That melted mostly and now we have full-on snow again! I’d trade you, but we need the mositure. Hope not to see another fire season like last year.
Keep on keeping on, Marlene. Do you know the old saying, “Dum spiro, spero”? It means While I breathe, I hope. One of my new mottos. 🙂 Big, warm hugs, Marlene. ~ Linne
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I like your motto, Linne. Especially that it relates to breathing. I think that will be my word for the year. Breathe! Just breathe. I’ve never been perfect at anything so it’s always been “good enough:”. Then I have to let things go. I see your e-mail and will get to it as soon as possible. I’m back up to 447 blogs to read. Never seem to catch up much less write one. The pain meds make me quite sleepy so not a lot is getting done. I’ll keep trying though. I hope you have a better Christmas next year. Hugs to you, Linne.
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Now I know why my mum is doubly tired! 😂 Love your play with words, Marlene! But I have to admit that I know his sense of being overwhelmed by all the stuff you plan to do very well and see much sense in your words about wellness being a mindset and that quiet is a good thing. After my mum’s accident everything seemed to go twice as fast as usual and I was thankful for the rest the holidays this time brought because I decided not to celebrate. The few small things I put up like a poinsettia and all the lovely cards I got are still around though and I have a feeling they will remain for a bit longer. 😉
I’m so sorry to hear that you’re facing some health issues and wish you lots of strength and positive thoughts! ❤
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Thank you so much. I decided I had to let go of some things to focus better on the others for now. I can review it again at another time. I think we all need a break and a breather to see where our priorities are and whether they have changed. I think health challenges force the refocus. Who makes the rules about the holidays. They are a lot of work and I’m not entertaining that much anymore. It’s more work than I want right now. Enjoy and take your time. Thanks for visiting.
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Dearest Marlene.. You are wise dear friend in taking time back for yourself.. And listening to your body is saying .. Your health comes first..
And like you I have had the modem turned off more than on this year. even though I try to keep up to my regular readers and commentators, I have cut back alot on visiting. and clicked like much more than I usually do without leaving my voice..
I hope your health issues can be addressed my friend.. I understand ‘Tired’ both mentally and physically. I don’t know whether this winter is taking its toll on the SAD Syndrome.. But as I said to my Acupuncturist who came to give me a treatment today as I broke into tears for no particular reason trying to explain the depth of feeling I had..
Self preservation is on the agenda for me.. Along with putting my poetry in order. Something I have promised myself for a long while..
I feel we have to put self as priority. And you do right in taking time to relax and take things a little easier..
Sending you Love and Hugs my friend,
Look after yourself in this cold weather.. Its bitter cold here at the moment in the UK..
Sending Huge Hugs.. xxx LOVE and Blessings Marlene. xxx ❤
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I found out after my diagnosis that some things can no longer wait until later. I have today and it’s good. Everything else is an add on. I’m lucky to get 2 posts a month and barely keep up with so many I want to read. I’m looking now and getting things in order and having a lot of fun along the way. What isn’t fun, is deleted. Time is precious. Don’t give it away wastefully. Sending back Giant squishy hugs and love, Sue. You are dear to my heart.
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Aww thank you dear Marlene.. that means more than you could ever know.. And likewise.. after answering comments I left yesterday here and there, I am going back to my poetry to organise them into some order.. Something that is taking me longer than I thought.. But one that I am enjoying as I re-read many poems I forgot I wrote.. 🙂
Take care of YOU Marlene.. You are very dear to me also my friend.. ❤
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The Christmas tree is still up and decorated in our house. Maybe it will come down this weekend but we are not in a rush around here. There is just too much that demands our
attention these days and why hurry to get it done? As my dear mom would say, ‘it will be
there tomorrow’.
May all the best fortune and many blessings be yours this new year and always Marlene.
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Thank you so much, Eddie. Mine took a couple of weeks as I was doing a lot of sorting, and purging. My place is small so It seemed wise to reclaim that space. Time is no longer the luxury it once was so I’m eliminating things that drain my time and energy. Relishing each moment is important. Thanks for stopping by.
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I love your definition of retired – I’m still smiling!
I think your priorities are spot on – you absolutely need to put yourself and your health and well-being at the very very top. Once you’re doing what you love, and have accepted that you simply won’t do the other stuff, the overwhelm will disappear and the happiness will sneak up on you again. So few people get this right. And what a wonderfully supportive group you have built up around you!
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Thanks so much for your kind words, Clare. I have been seriously challenged by my health lately and I’m sure until I’ve released all the weighs on me, it will keep acting up. It’s part of why I’m so far behind here. It’s hard for other’s to understand that it’s not a personal attack on them. It’s just self preservation. If I don’t get it right this time, it’s terminal. Too great a cost. Always happy for good news though. Have a wonderfilled week.
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I wish I had the fortitude to keep my blog going but for some reason I just don’t. I don’t have any excuses whatsoever other than I guess it’s time has come and gone. Perhaps I will pick it up at a later date but by then all of my lovely blogging buddies will probably have moved on. The good news is I get to still keep up with some of my favorites like you!
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Everything has it’s time and we are wise to listen to the calling of our hearts. You are right to follow yours so don’t beat yourself up over it. My blog has been very close to the chopping block many times. It may again but for now, it’s my link to the world and my own inner world. I received your card in the mail and am in the process of answering. Maybe today it will be complete and ready to mail. I do miss seeing you here and what new you have been working on. Pop in as you feel up to it or not. I’m glad to hear from you either way. Hugs to you my friend.
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D > We’ve only retired once so far, and that’s proved to be an exhausting ‘lifestyle choice’. Have you noticed how that term is increasingly denigrate someone else’s values, priorities and circumstances? The fact is we have to keep working – albeit not as employees – to pay the bills. Maybe sometime we’ll get to do the thing properly,!
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I understand that retirement is not always what people think it is. You may leave a job only to have more work in front of you. I have not been able to “work” for many years and really do miss the routine of it. Also the income. It’s been quite spare since I’m on my own and now with extra health challenges. Bills do need to get paid, don’t they? 😦 Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderfilled week.
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J > Marlene, I’ve tweaked the background colour and the font size on our blog: if it helps you then I’m sure it’ll be better for others, too, – even if they don’t notice the change. Hope you’re feeling better: our trip away was, alas, spent half in the grip of flu.
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Thank you so much for that small tweek. I can make it even bigger if need be now from this end. Somehow the size makes a difference. I am so sorry you got that flu. I’ve been very lucky so far but am just getting over bronchitis. It seems to last forever but at least I’m not trying to enjoy a trip. Glad you are recovering.
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Stay well, Marlene. Hugs. ❤
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You as well, Karenlee. Everything works out exactly as it should. Hugs.
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❤
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Ah! Marlene…sorry to hear about health issues…i understand. We just keep pushing and doing and before we know it our bodies say STOP!! They try to warn us before they SHUT DOWN…we just get really good at not listening.
I am one who does not blog as much as I used to …or would like to! And it is LIFE that has taken the time away. I also have projects in the works (translated: in my head!) that i cant seem to find time for.
It’s all good…its all LIFE and I am getting better at “letting go.”
I send you warm thoughts and beautiful white healing light! And lots of 💜💜
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Thank you so much, Lorrie. Appreciate the warm thoughts and healing light. I’m counting on being the one person that survives this against the odds. I’m letting go every day so much that no longer serves me. Lots of love and hugs to you as well.
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The thing that amazes me, Marlene, is that no matter how much I let go and heal…THERE ALWAYS SEEMS TO BE MORE!!
Sending love and clarity 💜
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I don’t know how many posts I’ve missed, but I’ll begin here. This is a loving post. Loving yourself and loving others. I hope you are able to sort out the health issues that are making you more fatigued than you expected to be. I also suspect that the days are shrinking though. I am certain that I had much more time to work with in my past. Isn’t it a relief that the winter was so much easier this year.
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I think I told you when we last met in person that the health issue isn’t going to resolve. They will probably put me on oxygen in November. I was already a point lower than it should be. I just do what I can and rest when I need to. It’s the cycle of life. Now I just use it as wisely as possible. And find lots for which to be grateful. It’s all good. 🙂
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