rechelle's lifelyrics

Wow. It’s so weird to have this open-ended daily life after so many years of being driven by the needs of my children, husband, volunteer work, and full or part-time work on top of everything else!

Now I’m finding new structure – my new sense of identity. I worked really hard to keep a sense of “myself” while homeschooling and raising my 5 kids. I worked really hard to keep a good, healthy, romantic life with my Husband while we were so busy raising our kids, building and maintaining relationships in our church, serving in the community, and working to make ends meet.

But somehow I’m still feeling a crossroad and sense of loss of “myself.” I’m realizing I’ve grown into one of the oldest people in the company I keep. In the last several weeks, I’ve spent many quiet hours and reflected on lots of things. I’m thankful for the direction I feel so far, and the contentment to slow down a little. I’ve heard about many people who ended up passing from this life – way too soon – after retirement from their “life’s work,” and wondered if it had something to do with losing a sense of purpose.

After I realized I wasn’t going to pursue a professional career any more, I set out to create my new work days. I have a clever name for each day of the work week that helps me feel enthusiastic about getting “up and at ’em” each day while Ray is working. For instance, today is “Website Wednesday,” and even though it doesn’t fill an 8 hour day, it has been a really fun way to feel productive in my retirement! But I just want to put it out there:

Even with the best effort toward being prepared for inevitable change and seasons of life, It’s still difficult to experience loss and change.

So, with all of that being said, I’m committed to making each day count. I’m trying to focus on the people around me I can help, or just build relationships with, from time to time. I’m starting work on some things that have been on the back burner for a long time. I’m starting to enjoy a slower pace, and I’m finding joy in this season of being a help meet and keeper at home for my dear Husband in a whole new way.

I was looking for the “perfect job” where I could grow and thrive for the next 5-7 years before retirement, but I’m glad to realize I can bloom right here at home!