Barbara J. Hamby

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So What Am I Here For

Retirees, myself included, often wonder how we ever had time to work, especially on days when we can only seem to get through about half of our “to do” lists. The good news is that we don’t have to show up at a job site every day. The bad news is most of us couldn’t hold down regular full-time employment. I’m sure I could not. I’m reluctantly recognizing that my organizational skills are deteriorating and my short-term memory often leaves me wondering, “What am I here for?”

When I walk into the kitchen for a glass of water, there may be an unfinished chore staring me in the face that I forgot when I took a side trip to the computer, the bathroom, or a task in some other room. I’m also sad to admit that I probably move more slowly than when I was younger, so it takes me longer to finish anything. If I didn’t have a twice-a-month housekeeper, this place would probably be a mess.

Fortunately, the sense of satisfaction is as great, if not greater, when I finally complete one of my self-assignments. But there are always at least several “wannabe” projects lurking here and there.

Of course, naps, or even a full night’s sleep, were never part of my repertoire in my working days. So I attribute my nap fixes these days to making up for years of lost sleep.

Because I’m aware of my limitations, I try not to get upset or angry over trivial, or even non-trivial events or behavior, believing that anger and worry waste energy. I’m not always successful, but “try"is the operative word.

So, now I’m off to the library and the grocery store and maybe, if I hustle, I’ll get a swim in today.

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