OK, it’s 12:57 pm and I’m still in my pajamas. Last night I read this post at Soul Shelter and am wondering if he is right, maybe I should get out of my pajamas before 1pm. It’s not that I’m doing anything different than what I would be doing in my regular clothes: eat breakfast, read the paper, scan blogs, begin writing a post on Roth IRA’s, and respond to emails. But I am wondering whether I might feel differently about myself if I’m actually doing these things while fully dressed?
I’m definitely still in the “deworking” stage (a term I like from commenter Elizabeth, at Working for Rachel). I appreciate her and Tim’s comments to basically cut myself some slack. I need to hear that. I guess when you spend so many years “producing” you’ve got to wean yourself off of the accomplishments-equals-self-worth type of thinking. And the truth is, I have accomplished some of my “Lazy Person’s” list; I have ventured back into the garden, lost a couple pounds (yay!), almost kicked this cold, and rearranged my new office space with my desk overlooking the back yard.
I guess I’ll start slowly. It’s 1:21 now. I’ll get dressed, eat lunch, go for a walk and maybe go to the grocery store. That sounds like about enough in the way of accomplishments for today. Don't worry, I won't go cold turkey, I'll take it little by little. Perhaps tomorrow I'll aim to get dressed by noon.
"That sounds like about enough in the way of accomplishments for today."
Yes, don't overwhelm yourself! :)
I tried to imagine my perfect day a little while ago and it went something like, "Sleep in, read, take walk around lunch, go to library, write, read." If I was just going to do what I wanted every day for the rest of my life, I really do think about 75% of my days would be like that. On the other days I'd be skydiving or traveling to India for a little variety.
Posted by: Elizabeth | March 13, 2008 at 08:11 PM
I'm yrs from retirement, but still am a little frightened that once I do, I'll become a world class bum. Sadly I'm equally as freaked out that I'll go raving mad by not having enough to do.
Hopefully I'll figure it out by then...
Posted by: Nicole | March 14, 2008 at 01:59 PM
Hi Nicole:
Here's my advice, don't retire until you are ok with being a world class bum! (I just became "at peace" with this yesterday myself, while laying in my hammock, listening to my iPod watching the birds and staring at the forested land that is my back yard). Yes, I just realized yesterday "this is ok by me!"
It helps that I did get out of my pajamas before 11 and went for a jog among the vineyards of the Napa Valley after having spent several hours dealing with COBRA/health insurance issues. So I did feel very productive yesterday.
Oops, gotta go, we're going to the movies (on a WEEKDAY) and gotta get there to catch the bargain matinee (on a fixed income now, you know). Yes, I'm definitely ok with this now.
Posted by: Retired Syd | March 14, 2008 at 02:13 PM
Lol, it really makes a difference for me whether I am dressed (day time shorts and Tshirt) or not (pajama shorts and Tshirt). I do not bother to dress when I work on a project virtually (long distance, through computer and internet) and feel inspired, then I power up my laptop and start working straight from bed - and only go to brush my teeth, fix a green shake for breakfast, feed the cats - all in short breaks catching up with work inspiration.
I dress up second thing in the morning - after taking a shower - either when I am not working and am heading somewhere or if I decide to work or play on the tarrace - which is on a public view, and thus pijamas would be a faux pas.
Posted by: Minerva | March 16, 2008 at 08:33 AM
I am dreaming of the day that I can retired not dress or do whatever that I want.
Posted by: WorkingBoomer | September 27, 2011 at 04:14 AM
I'm still working through this, but with five months of retirement under my belt, where I'm at currently is that I've structured my week so that it is full of activities that I find stimulating and/or enjoyable, however, and this is a big however, if I don't feel like doing something on it, I don't have to!
I've also decided no TV during the daytime, period, no exceptions. TV watching seems to suck the energy right out of me and turn me into brain mush for the rest of the day, so for me, this is a hard and fast rule.
As I said, I'm very much still a work in progress, but my joy and contentment are continuing to grow by the week, so I think I'm on the right track.
Posted by: Tamara | September 28, 2011 at 09:51 AM
Two weeks from retirement, 58 1/2 and feeling to early to retire but husband (69) health is not good and if I plan on speeding time with him I better do it now. Plus, did I mention new boss (34) is an ass and making my life at work way too stressful - long hours plus weekends to get all the work completed on time. I have worked since 18, even during college and cannot image not working. Right now going through mood changes, one minute excited and the next wishing I'm not doing this, scared. But, how can my job be more important than time with my husband?- help
Posted by: T Lamson | August 18, 2012 at 09:24 PM