Things I Do in My Retirement ~ by Hénock Gugsa

Things I Do in My Retirement 

~ by Hénock Gugsa ~
[ How do I spend my time in retirement? ]

Well, I don't want to give you a cliche-ridden response that is lacking in seriousness or weight.  So, here is my response with some background info and description of where I am mentally on the whole topic ....

First off, when I was wading into my middle-age, I never thought that retirement was far off.  I kind of made up my mind that early retirement was the best route for me because  already time was not a slow vehicle anymore.  I should wring every bit of joy out of whatever time is allotted to me.  Also, I realized that I should not dwell too much either on the past or the future.  So, live in the now!

In fact, now, during my retirement, I have found to my pleasant surprise that living is not just "time spent" or something you while away.  It is actually some thing that you hold on to for dear life.

Retirement does not have to be a jail term or sentence that is imposed on you.  From my vantage point,  retirement is actually a life without strict bounds of duties, responsibilities, and dependencies. I am enjoying a vacation without end.  It has been an open-ended period of leisure.

I don't set any schedules or strict goals on my time .... Everything is fluid and flexible although I have a macro-vision or a general idea of the things I would like to do.  So, I try to have unpredictability and spontaneity in my life.  Fortunately, I'm also well-grounded enough not to fall under any attack of boredom (l'ennui).  I love technology and I try to keep up with the latest advances that affect daily life. 

Speaking specifics ....

1) - I read a lot, mostly on-line articles of all sorts.  

2) - I am on social media -- Facebook, YouTube, etc.

3) - I listen to RFI (Radio France International), and a variety of podcasts.

4) - I write or post items that interest me in my own blog.

5) - I go for walks.

6) - I socialize with old friends.

7) - Examples of spontaneous things I've done during my retirement :  getting tattoos, traveling inside and outside the U.S., supporting a political candidate (Elizabeth Warren)

8) - I make sure I get at least seven hours of sleep daily, more if naps force their way into the other things I do.  Actually, I love naps and I am a good practitioner !
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That's it ... so far, all is well !