Yesterday was my last day of employment since I was a teenager. Having worked in the same field for the last 26 years or so, making a change in my profession is going to be one of my goals for this new, second life of mine. Determined to stay in bed as long as possible on this first day of freedom, I was certain that I had lain there until at least 11am or noon, only to find that it was actually 8:15am. I suppose I was so excited at all of the possibilities that this day holds and was just itching to get going with my day. Just now reminding myself that I had wanted to make God the first priority in my life, I had to pause to pray before I could continue typing. (Feel free to do the same, prayer is important).
Today, I can do anything I wish. Where do I start? Because I’m a list-maker, I started as I always do, with a list of things that I absolutely must accomplish today. Among my chores, yes, you guessed it, laundry! Concerning laundry, I do tend to procrastinate until every single item of clothing is dirty. Not because the chore is loathsome, but because it gives me such a huge sense of accomplishment when it is finished. It’s reminiscent of my childhood, when every Saturday was cleaning day. My sisters and I were allowed to wash and fold clothes while we watched cartoons until at least 10am. This is still my preferred habit; to wash and watch.
Having started the laundry, I settle with my coffee/oatmeal concoction, a cat by my side, and my laptop, hoping to being a new lifelong habit of blogging my thoughts as the sun rises. With no one to keep me accountable, we shall see how long this lasts. At least I have a goal, which now reminds me to review all my prior lists of values, roles, clarifying statements, and missions. These are all activities that I have completed in my Franklin Planner over these past several years, yet have never seemed to have time to implement. As I look at these lists, I’m thinking, Wow! This is actually a pretty good plan. I need to implement this. I have even scratched out a personal mission for myself.
-I will live by the values of integrity, education, spirituality and compassion
-I will provide a fault-free, working and learning environment
-I will support my family with healthy, loving relationships in which we can each become our best selves
-I will keep my mind and body healthy and strong for as long as possible
-I will help others and I will thank those who help me along the way
-I will treat all people with kindness and respect
-I will respect life
-I will devote my life to service of others
-I will use the talents I’ve been given for as long as possible
This seems a great place to start. Thank you, Franklin/Covey for this kickstart. It’s going to be a great day!
Living Over The Hill 
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