We all have them

Do you ever have One of Those Days? The day just drags, you feel tired, bored, unmotivated. All you really want to do is take a nap. You struggle to think of something else you could be doing or something that you want to be doing?

Yesterday was one of those days. And it got me thinking.

What if you had “one of those days” day after day after day? Waking up tired, not knowing what you were going to do that day. Wondering if any friends were around who might call you. Do you dare call them in your present, boring, tired mood? Who would want to be with someone who felt that way?

These are the types of thoughts that many people experience when they retire. Not right away. Initially there is the honeymoon period. Waking up when you are ready, without the alarm clock. Having a leisurely morning. Catching up on many of the organizing chores that you have been waiting to do for years. Maybe even signing up for the gym.

And then…the days start to slow down. Time seems to go from coffee to lunch to dinner and nothing else seems to happen in between.

This is normal. You have been use to a 9-5 schedule. You start out with great plans and intentions. Some people can’t wait to slow down, until they realize they have not just slowed down, but they have stalled. Others have big to-do lists. Organizing closets, cleaning out STUFF that has been accumulating over the years. Planting a new garden. And then what, after they have accomplished all the things on their to-do list?

Here is a little tip.

Before you get to this place, start to make a list of all the things you like to do, all the things you feel like you need to do, and all the things you might want to try. Keep adding to your list as new ideas come up.

Now here is the fun part. Cut all of these ideas into individual strips. Fold each strip over and put them into a jar or a basket, or whatever pretty container you have.

Then, when you have one of those days, draw out a strip of paper with the agreement that whatever it is, you will do that.

Because it is in the doing that you start to feel more alive.

Don’t forget to move

A little bit of movement in the morning, also helps. Even if it is just bending over to try to touch your toes, or swinging your arms back and forth. Try a little movement before you sit down for your coffee. It really does help.

And give yourself some grace. We all have “one of those days” every once in awhile. It is when “one of those days” becomes Every Day, that it is a problem.