Okay so I was talking to my mom the other day, and she's getting ready to retire (I know, I'm still in denial about my parents getting older), and she's all freaked out about what she's gonna do with her time. Like, she's been working non-stop for decades, and suddenly she's gonna have all these empty hours to fill. I get it, right? I mean, I've had days where I've just binge-watched Netflix for hours on end, and I'm like, 'What am I even doing with my life?'
Anyway, my mom's problem is that she doesn't really have any friends outside of work. She's always been so busy, and now she's realizing that aside from two former co-workers, she's kinda lonely. It's like, she's got her family and all, but that's not the same as having your own crew, you know? (I'm using 'crew' here, but I mean, like, friends... or a social circle... thingy...).
So I started thinking, what would I do if I were in her shoes? I mean, I've got my blog, and my cat, Mittens (who's currently sitting on my keyboard, by the way... hi, Mittens), but that's not really the same as having human interaction, right? I'd probably start by trying to find some new hobbies or interests. Like, have you ever tried painting? I did it once, and let me tell you, it was a disaster. But hey, at least I tried, right?
Some Tips for Filling the Days
Here's the thing: retirement is a big change, and it can be overwhelming. But, like, there are some things you can do to make the transition smoother. For one, you could try volunteering. I know, I know, it sounds cliché, but trust me, it's a great way to meet new people and feel like you're doing something worthwhile. Or, you know, you could take a class or workshop. I've been wanting to learn how to cook, so I'm thinking of taking a cooking class. Who knows, maybe I'll discover a new passion.
Getting Out There and Meeting New People
Literally, the worst thing you can do is just sit at home and watch TV all day. I mean, don't get me wrong, TV is great and all, but it's not gonna fill the void, you know? You gotta get out there and meet new people. Join a book club, or a gym, or something. I swear, it's not as hard as it sounds. And hey, even if you don't make any new friends right away, at least you'll be doing something, right?
Anyway, that's my two cents. I hope it helps, Mom (and anyone else who's struggling with this). Oh, and Mittens just walked across my keyboard again... sorry about that. I guess what I'm trying to say is, it's okay to not have all the answers. Just take things one day at a time, and don't be afraid to try new things. And if all else fails, you can always come over and watch Netflix with me.
So, I was gonna end this post here, but then I started thinking about all the other things my mom could do to fill her days. Like, she could start a garden, or learn how to play an instrument. The possibilities are endless, right? (I'm getting a little carried away here...). But seriously, I think the key is to just find something you're passionate about, and go from there.
I'm gonna wrap this up now, because I have a dentist appointment later (ugh, I hate the dentist...), and I still need to get ready. But before I go, I just wanted to say that I hope this post has been helpful. And if you have any tips for my mom (or anyone else who's retiring soon), please leave them in the comments below. Thanks for reading, guys!
Oh, and one more thing. I just realized that I've been writing this post for hours, and I'm getting a little hungry. So, I'm gonna go make some lunch. Maybe I'll even try out a new recipe... who knows. Anyway, that's all for now. Thanks again for reading, and I'll catch you all in the next post.
I'm back, and I just wanted to add one more thing. I was thinking about my mom's situation, and I realized that it's not just about filling the days. It's about finding meaning and purpose. And that's a tough thing to do, especially when you're used to having a job that gives you a sense of direction. But I think that's what makes this journey so important. It's a chance to rediscover yourself, and find new things that bring you joy.
Okay, I'm really done now. I promise. Thanks again for reading, and I'll talk to you all soon.
✨ Let's Talk:
What are some things you'd do if you were retiring soon? Do you have any tips for my mom (or anyone else who's struggling to fill their days)?