The joy of knowing the difference between alone and lonely.
Being good company to others starts with being good company to yourself
Yep. I find many people who self-describe as extroverts are just deathly afraid of being alone with their own thoughts.
As a father with a family, I’m almost never alone. and when I am, I really have to adjust to it. So I feel lonely at first.
As someone without kids, I am the opposite. I need several hours of solitude each day.
Weird thing is, I need that as well! But I’m so used to that there is always someone in the house, when they are all gone it feels lonely. But then when I’m used to it, it’s awesome and I do whatever I want.
I retired last summer. This is basically how my week goes. Trying to fill the void with some hobbies or entertainment.
I watched my dad fall into depression after retirement. The same for a family friend who was able to retire early in their 40’s. I think a lot of people only plan for the financial side of retirement and don’t plan for post-retirement hobbies and activities. It took these 2 people’s examples to open my eyes a bit and start planning for a heavy hobbying which will also look different from light hobbying where you are still committed to other things like work and raising a family.
I still have awhile before retirement, but I’ve lots of coworkers and family who’ve recently retired over the last few years. Based on what they’ve said, I think it’s really important to get involved outside of only hobbies/entertainment. Like doing a volunteer type thing once a week or something. Apparently, studies show that people’s health can quickly decline post retirement and keeping active, social, etc. can make a notable difference.
Anyway, sorry if this came off as patronizing, I most certainly don’t intend it to be! Regardless, congratulations on retirement! May the rest of your days be full of life, love, and happiness. :)
A couple of sources relating to what I was trying to convey:
https://crr.bc.edu/socializing-improves-retirees-physical-mental-health/
He actually has an earbud in the left ear and is on a long telephone call.
To be an adult
I’m in this photo and I don’t like it
Why’s he wearing pants?
Weekend, get-get-get with us, you know what we say
Beats the hell out of the horrors of making normal to scrape by.
I always think of this cover
