I never expected to be wide awake by 2:00 AM on Day 4 of being retired. Nor did I expect finally slowing down to be a thing. Yet, there I was, staring at the ceiling while the entire world slumbered. It wasn’t until I made my way to the window that I saw something I hadn’t expected: snow in the mountains of Virginia. These quiet, early-morning snows seem to bring a … [Read more...] about Retirement Day 5 – If You’ve Ever Rushed Through Life and Are Finally Slowing Down, This Story Is for You
Self Care
Retirement: What Day Three Really Looks Like (Hint: Not What I Planned)
Somehow, Day Three doesn’t seem as calm and quiet as I expected. But as I sit with it now, I can see that today was calmer—definitely calmer than Day Two. I didn’t feel the need to write a 17-item to-do list, and I didn’t wake up with that sense of urgency that I used to carry like a backpack full of rocks. I actually had less on my plate today, and that alone felt like a … [Read more...] about Retirement: What Day Three Really Looks Like (Hint: Not What I Planned)
What High-Functioning (Concealed) Depression Really Looks Like
If you saw me back then, you’d never guess I was struggling. Or so I thought, anyway, that was my plan.I got up every morning, went to work, paid my bills, smiled at people, and said, “I’m fine.” I showed up for everyone else, even when I couldn’t show up for myself.But inside, I felt like I was not feeling at all. Often on the inside, I felt up against the wall, with no way … [Read more...] about What High-Functioning (Concealed) Depression Really Looks Like
Is A Wintry Mix Descending Into My Front Yard?
The weather forecast indicated there could be a wintry mix today. My front yard is proof that they were correct. Sitting on the front porch this morning, I could hear tree limbs snapping and falling under the weight of the ice on their branches. At 6 AM, thunder and lightning reverberated, creating the perfect opportunity to get up and make a pot of coffee. Had we not … [Read more...] about Is A Wintry Mix Descending Into My Front Yard?
Can I Really Beat My Depression?
Photo by kevin Baquerizo on Unsplash My personal history aside, I feel my gut saying the outcome is at best 50-50. There have been times in my life where depression has been the driving force. And yet there have been years where depression was missing. And I spent most of my life denying that my having depression was even a possibility. I knew there were times where … [Read more...] about Can I Really Beat My Depression?
