Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Reaping Rewards


I am enjoying early retirement with my husband. Sometimes I feel guilty when most of our friends are getting up going to work on Monday morning and I can sleep in. It is wonderful to not have to be somewhere every morning after a lifetime of working hard. I love to read and have wished all my life for more time with my books, and now I have it!

Why do I feel guilty enjoying the freedom we planned and worked for? Together my husband and I saved and sacrificed throughout our working years so that we could be exactly where we are today. We did not buy new cars every time we got a raise. We did not wear expensive clothes or jewelry (well, some jewelry). Instead we put that extra income into our future. Now that the future is here, we will have to adjust to our new reality.

What we did not plan so specifically was how we would spend our time once we reached our goal of early retirement. We have always loved to travel and plan to do more, but the time between trips is what is so foreign to us. Waking up in the morning and thinking ‘I can do anything today’ can be overwhelming. Setting a goal and reaching it is to be rewarded. I am learning to sleep in and not feel guilty, to take breaks when I feel like it and to go play when I have the opportunity. I have to keep reminding myself that I have paid my dues and now my time is truly my own. I will use this time wisely and make the most of it.

Lately I have given in to my passion for reading. It is becoming somewhat of an addiction. I am neglecting the few things I still have to do like grocery shopping, meal preparation, and this blog for instance. All I want to do is read, one book after another. Maybe I will get my fill sometime soon and be able to focus more on the big world out there. For now, my book awaits.

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