Who decided that our next chapter needed to come with a whole other “to-do” list? I don’t know about you, but I have had enough lists to last a whole other lifetime, and I am only interested in enjoying the rest of this one.
Those of us hitting our stride at seventy-plus have been convinced that stride means hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Look, if someone wants to do that, good for them. But a brisk walk around my neighborhood? Even better.
That go-getting, pressurized philosophy is so deeply ingrained in us. And social media loves to offer its two cents by reminding us that “time must be spent well”. In my case… staying in pajamas for an entire day is time exceptionally well spent.
If I want to sit on my patio and watch the bees dance their way from flower to flower for an entire afternoon – then that’s exactly what I’ll do.
Crazy idea: What if the highest form of achievement in this chapter is simply open-ended, free-wheeling, unstructured time? Ignoring the clock. Saying no thank you to committees or social events.
And the best part? No offering cockamamie excuses.
Let’s be clear: I am not rejecting excitement or new undertakings. But an expectation that a weighty check list be obligatory? Uh, no.
If I decide to learn a new language or some such thing – I’ll do that.
BUT YOU CAN’T MAKE ME!
Having had years and years of working, caring for others, hosting holidays, and deciding what to serve for breakfast/lunch/dinner every single day of every single week – I give us all full permission to sign off if so desired… or to sign up if so inspired.
How liberating to do something out of genuine curiousity versus because one must. I mean, who am I trying to impress at this point? If I take up a new hobby – it’ll be purely for the spark and joy of doing it.
Zero coercion.
(I am giving every last ounce of that bullshit the old heave-ho.)
No need to show proof of a day well-spent.
No holy grail of a rundown of this, that and the other thing.
Did I walk my 10,000 steps? Did I sleep eight perfect hours? Did I work out intensely enough? What to wear? What’s for dinner? Did I improve, multi-task, declutter, breathe deeply, drink enough water, get enough PROTEIN?!
Do we need permission to call it a day? I think not. My agenda is simple: to unlearn the itch of unrelenting productivity.
And eat ice cream for dinner.
And potato chips.
Would love to hear all about your time well spent!😉
Amen and Amen! I recently had a call from an old acquaintance who asked me what I was doing for that day. I replied “Nothing”. They responded, “well, let’s get together!”(with glee). My response “You must have misunderstood me. Doing NOTHING is my activity for the day!”. Hope you and yours are doing beyond well!
I’m with YOU, sistah! Love this blog entry; love YOU!
I’m with YOU, sistah! Loved this blog entry; love YOU!
Brilliant minds think alike! Agree 100%!! Perfect day….in PJ’s all day, reading, watching tv, eating ice cream and potato chips for dinner with a side of M&M’s. No wonder we’ve been BFF’s forever. Love you! xoxo
I’ll eat ice cream and potato chips with you🥰🥰 Love this!
LOVE THIS! and Amen! A day well spent is staying in my pjs, book in hand, reading all day with no interruptions. Or, a long walk (not sweating), headphones in while listening to a fabulous playlist (maybe throwing in a few random dance steps). Love YOU and love your brain. xoxoxoxo
If I accomplish just one thing a day, I’m happy. That could be as simple as take a walk, water my garden, call a friend, or start a chore, or finish a chore, or forget about the chore
altogether.