A couple of days ago, someone asked me, "What do you do with all your time now?". Obviously implying that being retired meant I was bored.
So, I responded, Well, let's see, I started the day sitting out on the porch with coffee and sourdough toast enjoying the Mountain View and watching neighbors go to work. Then wrote and published 2 articles on Substack, mowed 2.5 acres, and finished the day with Baby sitting 3 grands."
I read that and giggled. I don't know how many people fail to recognize that watching the sun rise with a cup of coffee is good for the soul. I used to watch the sun rise everyday at work. I would drive the machine I was on up onto the loading ramp and wait for the sun to come up behind me and light up the mountains in front of me. What an amazing sight.
Yes, retirement is amazing. And busy...although I manage to dodge a lot of things you have to do. No yard to tend to -- we live in a townhouse; no grandchildren -- much to our chagrin; still healthy -- relatively. I spend a lot of my time screwing around here, trying to keep up. I write a couple of hours at a time, set things up for the coming week(s). I used to stress out over deadlines I imposed on myself, until I figured it out. And that's what you have to do. You have to sort shit out in your head as well as on the page. Having two posts a week is doable if you stay ahead of yourself. Reading the posts out loud for Sunday's short stories is my new favourite activity. And challenging myself with the stories I write. I think you have to push the envelope, or else you'll succumb to boredom. Every story I write is different--different times, different place, different everything. The one I'm working on now I've been taking my time with. It takes place in Berlin and Paris before and after the war; has concentration camps and Nazis and gay bars...I'm loving it! But then, if I didn't love it, I wouldn't be writing it, would I?
Keep on keeping on, my man! And thanks for the shout out. 🍻 here's to the next 100!
I believe you will be richer for it. I've just gotten started and quickly found myself tempted to "perform". I hope that by recognizing it, I've nipped it. Enjoy your gift of time and write on!
Thanks for the mention Cork; I greatly appreciate your generous support!
You are another joining the list of substack writers starting to feel the pressure of publishing at a constant pace. Substack is the most wonderful platform I have come across, but along with it comes the burden of expectation that many of us are trying to manage. All that to say, I am glad to hear that you have liberated yourself of the self-imposed insane schedule, while continuing to write and encourage others.
Off now to enjoy a day at the beach with the kids.....
You and I are very much alike in our present writing life. I'll be 74 next month and am drawing from that many years of experiences and stories that I hope amuse and edify my readers. Also, I agree with you that writing for pleasure, especially at our stage in life, is far more rewarding than rejoining the rat race of goals, deadlines, and pressure. That urge to be paid is always there, but it's an exercise in self-realignment to just enjoy the high brought by the writing and creating than the brief thrill of a scant bit of money added to my bank account. Carry on, dear fellow writer and elder. I look forward to reading your work.
"That urge to be paid is always there, but it's an exercise in self-realignment to just enjoy the high brought by the writing and creating than the brief thrill of a scant bit of money added to my bank account."
Bingo, Sue. That is a great way to put it into context.
Writing can be a lonely and arduous activity, but it's that high that sustains the desire to do it. Congratulations on your retirement, Cork, and your devotion to your addiction. ;)
Ah, the self imposed deadline, thank you for pointing this out and adjusting appropriately! I've received a few "sorry, not posting today" e-mails from people I subscribe to and wondered why they felt the need to check in, self imposed deadline syndrome, got it!
Thank you for the shout out, Cork. And your experience resonates. To jump into something only to realize that, for one reason or another (or more), it's not necessary to be so intense. This is actually very timely for me to hear. Great choice and great post.
Thank you for the shoutout, Cork! I loved the bit about even when you're not writing you're still writing in your head. It's so true--we don't have to put words down every day to be a writer!
"I grew weary of the self-flagellation." What a powerful realization. I think sometimes we're so used to other people (and the culture at large, especially via social media) riding us to do enough, be enough, etc. that we do it to ourselves by default when it's completely unnecessary. Recognizing it and making a change is incredibly powerful.
Here is the link. https://mytalkingpen.substack.com/p/coming-home-a-memoir . I wrote it as a short Memoir. The chapters are not long, so don't worry. The last chapter contains links to a radio drama version of my story. It was very well done. You'll like it.
There is a lot of wisdom in this post - slowing down so you can enjoy the moment, writing when you want to because you want to, enjoying travels with the Mrs. and letting that take priority over a self-imposed schedule. I Think this is a very valuable post. And also, thanks for the mention, Cork!
A couple of days ago, someone asked me, "What do you do with all your time now?". Obviously implying that being retired meant I was bored.
So, I responded, Well, let's see, I started the day sitting out on the porch with coffee and sourdough toast enjoying the Mountain View and watching neighbors go to work. Then wrote and published 2 articles on Substack, mowed 2.5 acres, and finished the day with Baby sitting 3 grands."
It reminded me of this recent article I wrote.
I read that and giggled. I don't know how many people fail to recognize that watching the sun rise with a cup of coffee is good for the soul. I used to watch the sun rise everyday at work. I would drive the machine I was on up onto the loading ramp and wait for the sun to come up behind me and light up the mountains in front of me. What an amazing sight.
Yes, retirement is amazing. And busy...although I manage to dodge a lot of things you have to do. No yard to tend to -- we live in a townhouse; no grandchildren -- much to our chagrin; still healthy -- relatively. I spend a lot of my time screwing around here, trying to keep up. I write a couple of hours at a time, set things up for the coming week(s). I used to stress out over deadlines I imposed on myself, until I figured it out. And that's what you have to do. You have to sort shit out in your head as well as on the page. Having two posts a week is doable if you stay ahead of yourself. Reading the posts out loud for Sunday's short stories is my new favourite activity. And challenging myself with the stories I write. I think you have to push the envelope, or else you'll succumb to boredom. Every story I write is different--different times, different place, different everything. The one I'm working on now I've been taking my time with. It takes place in Berlin and Paris before and after the war; has concentration camps and Nazis and gay bars...I'm loving it! But then, if I didn't love it, I wouldn't be writing it, would I?
Keep on keeping on, my man! And thanks for the shout out. 🍻 here's to the next 100!
I believe you will be richer for it. I've just gotten started and quickly found myself tempted to "perform". I hope that by recognizing it, I've nipped it. Enjoy your gift of time and write on!
Thank you Lausanne. Let's keep encouraging each other ...
Deal!
Thanks for the mention!
Thanks for the mention Cork; I greatly appreciate your generous support!
You are another joining the list of substack writers starting to feel the pressure of publishing at a constant pace. Substack is the most wonderful platform I have come across, but along with it comes the burden of expectation that many of us are trying to manage. All that to say, I am glad to hear that you have liberated yourself of the self-imposed insane schedule, while continuing to write and encourage others.
Off now to enjoy a day at the beach with the kids.....
Nice. Have fun.
You and I are very much alike in our present writing life. I'll be 74 next month and am drawing from that many years of experiences and stories that I hope amuse and edify my readers. Also, I agree with you that writing for pleasure, especially at our stage in life, is far more rewarding than rejoining the rat race of goals, deadlines, and pressure. That urge to be paid is always there, but it's an exercise in self-realignment to just enjoy the high brought by the writing and creating than the brief thrill of a scant bit of money added to my bank account. Carry on, dear fellow writer and elder. I look forward to reading your work.
"That urge to be paid is always there, but it's an exercise in self-realignment to just enjoy the high brought by the writing and creating than the brief thrill of a scant bit of money added to my bank account."
Bingo, Sue. That is a great way to put it into context.
Writing can be a lonely and arduous activity, but it's that high that sustains the desire to do it. Congratulations on your retirement, Cork, and your devotion to your addiction. ;)
Yes! I have a post coming just for you...
Look forward to reading it.
Thank you so much for the shout out Cork!
It takes a lot to admit that you just need to take a step back and breathe so good for you in the confidence to even admit that to yourself.
I know I've been enriched by your wisdom and am very much looking forward to what's to come.
Ah, the self imposed deadline, thank you for pointing this out and adjusting appropriately! I've received a few "sorry, not posting today" e-mails from people I subscribe to and wondered why they felt the need to check in, self imposed deadline syndrome, got it!
Thanks so much for the mention and the reminder. You seem to have found a wise formula!
Well said, my friend. I echo and reflect your sentiments :).
Thank you for the shout out, Cork. And your experience resonates. To jump into something only to realize that, for one reason or another (or more), it's not necessary to be so intense. This is actually very timely for me to hear. Great choice and great post.
Thanks, Cork. I appreciate the shout out, especially coming from someone who uses the word "cowabunga."
🤣 Isn’t that a great word?
Somehow, the word gives me the urge to fight somebody with a plastic sword.
Thank you for the shoutout, Cork! I loved the bit about even when you're not writing you're still writing in your head. It's so true--we don't have to put words down every day to be a writer!
You're a fast reader!
You caught me with my phone in hand when the notification came in 😂
"I grew weary of the self-flagellation." What a powerful realization. I think sometimes we're so used to other people (and the culture at large, especially via social media) riding us to do enough, be enough, etc. that we do it to ourselves by default when it's completely unnecessary. Recognizing it and making a change is incredibly powerful.
On a similar “retirement” path. I’d like to read about your spiritual redemption!
Here is the link. https://mytalkingpen.substack.com/p/coming-home-a-memoir . I wrote it as a short Memoir. The chapters are not long, so don't worry. The last chapter contains links to a radio drama version of my story. It was very well done. You'll like it.
https://mytalkingpen.substack.com is a free subscription like Life UnCorked.
Thanks for your interest.
Thank you!
I will send you links to that. On my other Substack - The Talking Pen.
There is a lot of wisdom in this post - slowing down so you can enjoy the moment, writing when you want to because you want to, enjoying travels with the Mrs. and letting that take priority over a self-imposed schedule. I Think this is a very valuable post. And also, thanks for the mention, Cork!