One week into my retirement and I am still in transition! After a few days away, I found it difficult to return home. I am finishing a project for my former employer and have a few consulting assignments to organize, but the daily routine of what to do when is no longer the same.
The habits of a lifetime have suddenly been altered with the decision to retire. What direction shall I go? What is important today? How shall I use my time?
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| Where do want to go? (Photo: signpost, Los Angeles' Sister Cities) |
All of these decisions are in my hands... as they always have been! I am noticing, though, that when I was working every day, I was probably relying on autopilot: knowing what to do, what meetings to attend, and how to prepare. As my skills and knowledge expanded, I added other tasks to my routines and patterns. Once comfortable with the expanded workload, I sought more challenges. Change happened, but it was subtle and hidden in the daily workload.
How interesting to be at that time in life where so many of those habits and practices have been erased... waiting to be rewritten with today's surprises, choices, and decisions!
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| What paths have you chosen? Which have been erased? (Photo: beach on Coronado Island) |
Was it the familiarity of the autopilot that produced a false sense of security and direction? Maybe my current understanding of retirement and transitions could have happened earlier:
- Noticing the daily choices that are ever present;
- Consciously making decisions that bring life and connection;
- Seeing the bridges that need to be crossed.
It might be that awareness and choice are keys to the transitions we face each day. Turning off the autopilot and observing. Having the courage to make choices. Being open to change in ourselves and others.
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| Can you see the bridge of connection? (Photo: Penelope facing San Diego-Coronado Bridge) |
The foundations of Dialogue invite us to notice, to pause, and to choose. Through the interchange of ideas, opinions, and conclusions, we begin to understand:
- Who is important in our lives;
- What values bring direction; and,
- How we want to stay connected and in relationship.
We cannot do this reflection alone. Dialogue requires a willing partner!
As we begin each day, may we become more aware of the growth and evolution that occurs with each encounter. May we be willing to change, allowing the other person space and time to adjust. May we seek bridges of connection and directions toward acceptance as others change as well.
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| Larry Gardepie (click on link for website) |
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