The other day my friend asked me to list the top 5 things that make me happy. I've been pondering this question for a couple of days now. When do I feel happiest, and what am I doing when I feel it?
Even more important than the actual list though, was the realization that I'm spending so little time doing these things in retirement. Even though I've eliminated the biggest excuse for not doing what makes me happiest, that is having a job, I'm not actually spending the majority of my time doing the top 5, or even the top 10 on my list.
I had no idea when I retired that I would actually have to make time to do things I enjoyed the most. It's kind of like a job, you have to schedule these things in. You don't just naturally gravitate toward the happy-making things. First you clean the house, then work on the overgrown yard, get some exercise, maybe even do some things you do enjoy, reading blogs or the newspaper, but not necessarily the things that are on your Top 5 List.
I recently read Ram's thoughts at An Experiment in Retirement, as he came to the realization that he needed some sort of structure in his day. He feels less content when drifting from one thing to the next without any real structure. I think he's on to something.
I don't really lack structure to my days, but last week I decided to schedule something from the Top 5 Happy Things List every single day, allowing the aimless drifting time to fill in around the edges. Well, guess what, I was really happy doing the things that I'm really happy doing.
I'm not sure why it isn't a natural evolution in retirement, that you would automatically drift toward those things that make you the happiest, but I do know it's worth the time to think about this question and make adjustments to your lifestyle to be sure to spend time doing what you really are happiest doing.
And not a bad exercise for those that are not retired yet either.
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Planning on retiring in two years and am enjoying learning from your experiences.
Posted by: Merna | February 03, 2009 at 09:35 AM
Ah! Interesting post. Well I'll have to start scheduling in the "happy activities" now so I can get used to doing that for the very far away future of retirement. Plus, I'll have a better chance for having more "happy time" in the present.
Thanks for the good insight.
Posted by: Jules @ The Francophile Files | February 03, 2009 at 07:10 PM
ok...so what are your 5 most happy activities??? As your friend, Steve, says...spill!!!
Posted by: sara | February 03, 2009 at 09:31 PM
5 things that make me happy:
1) Travelling to new places
2) Reading good books
3) Eating great food (whether I cooked it, restaurant, or whatever)
4) Conversations with great friends
5) Sleeping in :)
These are activities that I can do while still working, but will be doing a lot more of when I retire. I just wish it would come sooner!
Posted by: Mintycake | February 05, 2009 at 08:35 AM
Thanks to all you new commenters for your comments and for reading!
@Mintycake: now that I read your list it reminds me that sleeping in is probably one of mine too and I do that already every single day in retirement! I'm beginning to think 5 things is too small a list to pick one from every day to make sure I'm doing them--think I will expand to 10.
@Sara: I'm reluctant to publish the list, though.
Posted by: Retired Syd | February 05, 2009 at 08:57 AM
I think that your list might be similar to Mintycake's..... (What a good name...Mintycake...YUMMY YEAH)
Posted by: Sara | February 05, 2009 at 07:25 PM
Actually there is a lot to be said about making more time for things that make you happy. I know I've put more time into my day for writing and took on a huge writing project. Now for most people that would be stressful, but I'm having a great time doing this. I'm researching, reviewing some old favorite books and generally having a good time seeing my word count grow each day.
I've learned the hard way, if you don't make time to do happy things you just end up getting bitchy.
Tim
Posted by: Canadian Dream | February 09, 2009 at 10:31 AM
now I know it..
Posted by: Amatur Projects | November 10, 2009 at 06:38 PM
Great post! I must remember this when I get to retire. Making a list will be amuse for me.
Posted by: Ann Alka WorkingBoomer | February 17, 2012 at 01:10 AM
I left England 11 years ago & moved to Thailand with my Thai wife. We opened a bar & guesthouse & had great fun for 10 years. We retired a year ago. I'm now 55. More time for reading, study & exercise. Seems pretty perfect. Maybe it's a guilt thing or maybe after a busy life, it just takes time to downshift a bit. nick
Posted by: nick smith | November 26, 2012 at 02:59 PM