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.
