What’s Next.. What Am I Going To Do Today?

Hello and Welcome Back, (or if visiting for the first time, Thank You for stopping by to check-out ‘Terry’s Thoughts.’ )

Beginning a new day without an already full day of double/ triple booked meetings, conference calls, hundreds of emails, etc. as is the norm during our corporate lives, is a really, really good feeling… albeit a bit foreign at first. In my first article I referenced the free feeling of having control of your day and doing what You enjoy doing as opposed to doing what others decide. We could focus an entire article (or several) to just this topic. However, we will not. Why? Because we no longer have to be concerned with such a controlled and overwhelming life… Let It Go!

I will caution You, however, this freedom of schedule and how to use your time, can lead to moments of guilt! Well, it did for me at times when I first entered into my retirement days. Going full speed everyday, with little downtime and even the weekends when You become the “weekend warrior” to get all the household chores completed in addition to getting to the GrandKids sports activities to now experiencing a pace under your control, and having the time throughout the week to complete those household chores normally set for weekends, does take a little adjustment. And waking up to a day without facing an extremely full calendar, You have this feeling of “what’s next?!”

Please do not allow this “what’s next” slip into controlling your daily routine. We must begin to allow the day to flow freely and outside of the few necessities which we will need to complete on any given day, allow the day to take on it’s own, unique flow -and- appreciate the opportunity to just relax and enjoy each day’s moments.

For me, I need a little structure to my day, it’s in my dna (*note: although, I am working on learning to adjust this dna – lol). How are my days now? Instead of waking up and immediately wondering; “what happened while I was sleeping” and checking my email and diving right into the work. I now begin my day with mediating and then have a small breakfast, (which I never did while working). During my breakfast I will skim the news headlines from various newspapers, ( the Beaver Valley/Pittsburgh area in Pennsylvania to remain in touch with my birth and growing up hometown -and- then my hometown of Indianapolis newspaper, along with the NY Times and Wall Street Journal).

My Son, (Justin), was gracious to offer me a spot in his firm, (RLS Wealth), to help out with various small projects to keep me busy, provide me with the opportunity to keep my mind engaged and learning and even expanding my horizon from my past disciplines. Not to mention getting to spend a little extra time with him. Many Thanks J-!

My Wife, (Denise) and I have always had a work out routine so that remains. So, we hit the gym each day for our workout routines. This commitment is now easier to maintain without being disrupted by the ‘work day’ surprises of late afternoon meetings/conference calls. Additionally, I have now been able to add yoga into the mix. I definitely needed the yoga to help me with regaining that flexibility I’ve lost through the years, ( my first goal was to be able to touch the floor again! *note: I am happy to report, I have accomplished this goal after a few classes and can place my palms on the floor while in the Forward Fold position. Now, some of the other yoga positions. Well, let’s just say I’m working on them- lol).

I have been able to return to reading on a regular basis. I’ve started back into the routine with pushing myself to read at least a book a month!

The major change in my life now is, and this may sound strange, I no longer need to feel guilty for taking the time to take care for myself and maximizing the time with Denise, my Family and Friends! I no longer have the feeling of pushing the balancing family/work and wondering if I had done enough to maintain the proper balance. My days now, are focused upon me, my Family and Friends! This is such a refreshing and rejuvenating feeling!

No more excuses of “not enough time” to interrupt my focus on what is most important and rearranging my priorities. We need to ensure we truly can enjoy this phase of life. Let’s not forgot, we could easily have another 30 years in our life -and- we will need our health, (mental and physical), to ensure we are truly enjoying what is rightfully ours — enjoying each day’s moments!

I’ll leave You with this thought written in Italian; cogli l’attimo (loosely translated “make the most of the moment”)

So, what am I going to do today? Whatever the day presents and enjoy each day and continue to take care of myself!

“Never quit searching, never settle and never give up seeking your greater purpose!“