When I decided
to retire an entire year early I made a deal with myself and my family to take
one full year "off". As part
of that deal I also made the decision not to make any big life altering
decisions. Right now I just need to
focus on myself and my recovery. I want
to improve my health to the best of my ability, both mentally and physically,
particularly my stress levels, my physical strength and endurance and my energy
levels.
This is also my
year to get caught up on all of the projects and things I had planned to do
last year. Primarily, I'm completely re-landscaping our entire yard. That was the plan whether I was working or
not so I'm sticking to that one. Mainly
because I really want this. And!
I'm having a ton of fun with it, which brings me to another point. This year I'm focusing a lot of attention on
things that bring me a lot of joy.
Because I
retired one year ahead of schedule I need to be extra frugal, not only this
year but also next year, to compensate for the loss of a year's income that I
had initially factored into my original plan.
Fortunately I had most of my preparations completed and extra cash in
the bank so I do feel this is a manageable goal despite the current rise in
fuel, groceries and practically everything else.
No plans are set
in stone because I know I need to be flexible and willing to make changes if
needed in order to be successful. While
I'm implementing every money saving measure I can at this time I also know that
if I need to do something else I will do it.
As I sit right now I doubt that will be necessary. I plan to coast through the next year and
enjoy the heck out of my home and the fact that I get to spend a considerable
amount of time in it. I'm thrilled to be
able to do that right now.
YEA for 1 year of no commitments! You'll not have regrets about this :-)
ReplyDeleteI had decided nothing for 5 months, and for the following 7 months I had concert tickets x4 and 3 trips. AND, Covid hit. So I had 2 years of no commitments although after getting my vaccines, I did fly/attend 2 family weddings! And I got my 2nd knee replacement. I am nearing the end of year 3. I'm really loving "the slow life". I started a serious walking program and walked 165 miles in May. Loving my new knee :-) I walk to the library, I walked the 5.5m round trip to the dentist a few weeks ago. As far as my monthly errands that's about it for walkable but that's OK.
I have no doubt you'll hit your goals while you enjoy the journey of restoring your body, soul and mind. Namaste'
COVID threw a monkey wrench in a lot of plans, that's for sure!
DeleteSounds like you are on the right track for you. I am so glad you are enjoying your retirement and your home.
ReplyDeleteI made the Wacky Carrot Cake for my sewing group yesterday and they loved it! Thanks for sharing the recipe.
I'm so glad they liked the cake. Yay!
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