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Reflections February 2014

Life Now

If Every Day Were Saturday

By Dusty Reed

A Saturday attitude can be put into any day and the morning might be midnight. The importance is the time away from normal work activities as a time to reflect and plan.

Some of us are semi-retired. Some are enjoying the freedom of retirement. Some are still employed. What is it about a weekend that makes it so special for those who work away from home the other five days? For some, it is just a change from one busy activity to another. For others, it is a time to rest the body and mind, to refuel for the upcoming week on the job again. For some, it is just another day.

Especially for those who are still employed five days a week, it is nice to sometimes wish that all day every day could be a Saturday morning. It is a time when we can choose to sleep in for a couple of extra hours. By doing so, however, we miss the quiet of early morning with no rush necessary.

By getting up a bit earlier on weekdays, we can experience the quiet of early morning before going to work. This quiet time offers a delightful beginning for the day.

Sometimes it is a time for watching and feeling the morning sunshine streaming through the window or listening to a gentle rain. It is a time to feel the calm serenity within the quietude. It is a time to dream about the future, muse over the past. This can be a time to sit at the table or in your favorite comfortable chair with a healthy beverage and reminisce. Memories can even lead to a detailed discussion of happy times and possibly even your philosophy with a loved one – a time to better understand one another.

This type of happening is not limited to only Saturday mornings. A Saturday attitude can be put into any day and the morning might be midnight. The importance is the time away from normal work activities as a time to reflect and plan.

"What do I still care to accomplish in my life? How long will it take to achieve this desire? Where have I been successful in the past? What part of that success can I carry into my future?"

Another person may not have the answers but they may offer suggestions. They may also begin to ponder these questions for themselves. Also, when we are willing to get quiet within and listen, possibilities can surface. Then the only requirement is performance. Taking the first step will reveal the second step – and so it continues. There is no room for boredom when we listen and take action.

Going for an early stroll around the block or further can offer a time of enlightenment. We can walk with someone or use the time for solitude and reflection. Visiting with neighbors who may be outdoors, or taking a special treat to someone can bring a smile to both parties. Observing the beauty of nature, no matter the season, can also offer a special blessing.

At other times, we enjoy getting up early and participating in a desirable activity throughout the weekend. Whether it is a highly physical one or whether we choose to be passive, every moment can be enjoyable. This, then, can carry over to the work world through the next five days.

For those who are semi-retired or fully retired, finding purpose in each day can help offer anticipation and a feeling of accomplishment by doing something you consider important. It may be something that seems quite simple or it may be continuing with an ongoing project. The purpose is to feel the fulfillment with a favorable attitude.

A hobby we have yearned to find time for through the years can now become a reality with time available. Maybe it is learning to play the piano. Maybe it is wood carving. Or we might want to write a book, trace a family genealogy, build an entertainment center, memorize famous quotes, take an adult education class for a subject of interest, clean out a closet, basement or garage. These are long-term projects that, within a short time, help us begin to see and feel the favorable results happening.

I recently read a cute joke about seniors cleaning these areas. I can attest that it may sound familiar to some:

Question: Why are retirees so slow to clean out the basement, attic or garage?

Answer: They know that as soon as they do, one of their adult kids will want to store stuff there.

 

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