I want to help others but I don’t need to for my identity or satisfaction. I don’t thrive on helping, so it’s not a need. I enjoyed my work seeing clients, but I enjoyed my time more.
In other examples, I often “want” dessert, but I certainly don’t “need” it! For more substance, I “want” the relationship with my wife, but I don’t “need” it (Though I love and value her and our relationship tremendously, I would survive without her - and yes, we share this opinion!).
We live in a hamster wheel society where being busy is the definition of success. The more you have going on, the better. This narrative feeds into our self-worth. I know for me personally I’ve struggled to slow down because I think I’m “wasting time” and that it isn’t “productive” to rest. But it’s about trusting our own rhythm and redefining what success means to us. The finish line is death, so why are we obsessed with moving so fast? 🙏🏽
Loved, loved your post concerning retirement. Retirement date for me was 6/6/22. Finding a little hard to adjust at 74 yrs. Adult children who I love have lots of suggestions. Also caring for my 94 yr old Mom. 😂🙏🏾
Reading this nugget definitely made me take my time. It is that GOOD. Nourishing even. Thank you for this wholesome gem “ I may not be changing the world but I am changing myself”.
I retired 3 years ago at age 62. As a therapist, I struggled a bit with leaving my clients, but knew it was time. I have picked up a hobby (buying and reselling goods), have made going to the gym a scheduled activity and am able to contemplate and prepare my meals in a relaxed manner.
Since retiring, I’ve noticed that very few counselors retire!! When I have asked why, I get different responses, from “work keeps me alive” to “there’s more for me to do!” I have to wonder if our desire to focus on and help others keeps us from caring for ourselves?
Loved this, thank you Nedra
YES to this!
I want to help others but I don’t need to for my identity or satisfaction. I don’t thrive on helping, so it’s not a need. I enjoyed my work seeing clients, but I enjoyed my time more.
In other examples, I often “want” dessert, but I certainly don’t “need” it! For more substance, I “want” the relationship with my wife, but I don’t “need” it (Though I love and value her and our relationship tremendously, I would survive without her - and yes, we share this opinion!).
We live in a hamster wheel society where being busy is the definition of success. The more you have going on, the better. This narrative feeds into our self-worth. I know for me personally I’ve struggled to slow down because I think I’m “wasting time” and that it isn’t “productive” to rest. But it’s about trusting our own rhythm and redefining what success means to us. The finish line is death, so why are we obsessed with moving so fast? 🙏🏽
I'm right there with you in the season of rest, Nedra...
Loved, loved your post concerning retirement. Retirement date for me was 6/6/22. Finding a little hard to adjust at 74 yrs. Adult children who I love have lots of suggestions. Also caring for my 94 yr old Mom. 😂🙏🏾
Reading this nugget definitely made me take my time. It is that GOOD. Nourishing even. Thank you for this wholesome gem “ I may not be changing the world but I am changing myself”.
I retired 3 years ago at age 62. As a therapist, I struggled a bit with leaving my clients, but knew it was time. I have picked up a hobby (buying and reselling goods), have made going to the gym a scheduled activity and am able to contemplate and prepare my meals in a relaxed manner.
Since retiring, I’ve noticed that very few counselors retire!! When I have asked why, I get different responses, from “work keeps me alive” to “there’s more for me to do!” I have to wonder if our desire to focus on and help others keeps us from caring for ourselves?
I love this! I feel more relaxed, even just reading it :-)
🙏🏼