The Gift of Time

One of life’s most momentous transitions is from structured work life to retirement. Retirement is a time that we’ve only imagined, then suddenly becomes real. Many of us discover that the reality is quite different from the dream. Maybe, if you’re like me, you’ve noticed that it comes with challenges and gifts. 

Retirement opens up time and space for us to do almost anything our heart desires, as long as we have our health and the means to see them through. It’s in this stage when time becomes truly our own, where we can let go of the “must do’s” and move toward the “want to’s”. It’s a time when we take stock and make decisions about priorities and nonessentials. 

It’s taken a while, but I think I might have this very freeing stage of life figured out. Finally. 

“Live as if you must say farewell to life at this very moment, as if the time you still have is an unexpected gift.” 

Marcus Aurelius

In this transition, here’s the question that presents itself –

How do I intend to use this gift? My gift of time? 

My guiding word this year is “Creativity”. To me, creativity is the true essence of life. It connects me to my spirit and the true essence of Self. It helps me in decision-making, fills my well and affects the energy I take out into the world. It puts those butterflies in my stomach that come from imagining that I might move the world’s love meter with something I create. 

I’ve realized that, in order to create, I have to be a keen observer of life. Notice the sparks, the unexpected, the possibilities. 

And I ask myself, “Where is my creativity needed, where should it be focused?” 

I will use my gift of time creating;

• an inviting, relaxed, loving home environment,
• healthy meals with real ingredients and lots of variety, all made with love, of course,
• a healthy mind, body, soul connection,
• written pieces – maybe poems, maybe lyrics, maybe something that will inspire someone, somewhere, 
• some form of art – maybe with paint, maybe textiles, maybe glass,
• relationships – lasting ones that nurture both parties – friend-to-friend, wife-to-husband, mom-to-adult child, grandmother-to-grandchild, sister-to-sister, aunt-to-niece/nephew,
• a good life by making conscious choices and reminding myself to use my precious time wisely,
• and vast memories that will make me and others smile.

“…there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.” 

– Vincent van Gogh

It feels very freeing to me, this idea of creative living. I get a glimpse into that child of wonder that still lives within me. It makes me see everything as fresh and new. It makes me excited about this stage of life that could otherwise feel a little untethered. 

 And you? How will you use your very precious gift of time?