Who's Setting the Rules Around Here?
I’ve been retired 3 ½ years and although the first year was tough, I’m really enjoying my freedom now. But sometimes, I’m not sure I feel so free when I look at the things I want to accomplish in a day. I find I have to remind myself at times that I’m retired and that the only person applying pressure to the way I live, is myself.
For example, my personality requires structure. I rarely go to sleep without knowing what I’m doing the next day. Without this structure, it’s too easy for me to go down the rabbit hole of overthinking or becoming overwhelmed with my options, and being unable to make a decision which will result in me feeling depressed.
That being said, I often overplan, which is when I stop and ask myself what I’m doing. Why do I have to complete this list of tasks, including pleasurable ones, in just one day? Who’s setting the rules around here?
Finally (and a hard-earned path it was), I am the only one setting rules for my life now. No boss, no partner, no kids, just me calling all the shots. I’m the one who has all these projects and goals I’d like to accomplish, yet I also want to just read my book or lay around my pool. But I feel guilty having too much relaxation time. I’m so conditioned to keep moving and being productive that it’s very hard to just go with the flow.
But somebody’s got to keep me in line, right? What will happen if I let myself go?
For my non-working readers, how do you manage your days and any potential residual guilt?