For Yes!
My friend Linda at Thoughts From a Bag Lady in Waiting says on the sidebar to her blog that her life in retirement is "an opportunity to say yes!" I love the idea that retirement is the time to do all those things that we didn't allow ourselves to do before.
Once I retired I no longer had the excuse that I didn't have time. I had to face up to the fact that things didn't get done because I chose not to do them. There were no external forces holding me back. I find it surprising that it took me all these years to figure this one out. There have been very few real barriers in my life. What holds me back is myself and my own perceived limitations. It's almost always easier to say No. It can become an automatic response. It's difficult to break a life-long habit. I'd like to follow Linda's example and make conscious decisions. I won't always say yes, but I'd like to make sure that it's an option.
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You are right, it is easier to say no, in the form of can’t. Thinking I can’t is a habit I would like to break. I like what you say about not getting things done. You made me realize that it is a choice.
ReplyDeleteLife opens up and becomes more beautiful when we live in a "yes world".
ReplyDeleteOh, I am just the tiniest bit disappointed that I only have Z left to enjoy your posts. I think Yes is a great way to enjoy retirement. :-)
ReplyDeleteFor me, being retired was my chance to say No. And, "Let someone else take over that job." Teachers have to do more stuff outside the classroom than one knows.
ReplyDeleteFor me, being retired will be being retired, in about six more years.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post! I am able to say Yes to so much more in retirement...like the trip with DD and DGD AND my upcoming road trip to MO with friends! I am also able to travel with hubby more now than when I was working:) However, you are right, I could have said Yes to some of those things all along but with consequences. Only one more day to go! Good job, Jann!!!
ReplyDeleteI find it easier to say no now that i am retired, but you make a good point, sometimes we forget that yes is an option.
ReplyDeleteI so agree with you. Linda shares such wisdom. It is great to learn from each other. Here's to empowering ourselves and others to say "yes" to more things that we think we can't do in the next year. Great post.
ReplyDeleteI like "yes' but I especially like being able to say 'no' when i don't want to do something. Freedom of choice is wonderful.
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