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Some of you have asked for a sneak peek inside my day as a writer. I am retired, loving retirement life, and now I’m living my dream. Every day is different, with interjections of life that happen, but after 2 years of retirement, and figuring out what that means, I’ve built in specific structures that keep me focused on specific writing, health goals, and more intentional living.
Here’s how it plays out right now. (This, of course, evolves as other life dynamics influence how my day rolls.)
Upon the dawn of a new day, or moments before the sun crests the horizon, I walk at least 3 miles. My walk involves weight lifting to keep my arms and upper body moving as my legs carry me on my journey. YouTube videos keep me walking in fresh places when I’m treadmill-bound due to weather. The walking rigor causes me to glisten (okay, sweat) resulting in a nice, follow-up, refreshing shower.
Then, I’m ready to hit the ground running as I do the write stuff. I journal a few notes about how I’m feeling, what I need, and what I’d love and then I jump into writing: blogs, children’s books, a memoir, and other writing objectives I set for myself to hit my daily word count. Each day I choose a different writing focus, so I’m making incremental progress on all my goals. To keep things fresh, I have a list of trainings I’m completing to hone my craft and learn new things. I set an hour timer to get my focus on, and at the end of each hour, I give myself a break.
I use my breaks to complete a variety of things to feed my soul and get my body moving. These include: a daily calm activity (a 7-8 minute meditation or a focused point to ponder), a 5-minute move, chair yoga or dancing (I don’t navigate floor exercises like I used to), and reading. These things help break up my writing, get my butt out of the chair, and keep my mind fresh.
By early or mid-afternoon, I either hang with my dear, darling husband, indulge in a nap, or tend to running errands and such. I eat when I’m hungry, and I keep something succulent in my teacup to sip on.
Everyone has their own routines that work for them. The key is keeping those aligned to reflect what’s in your heart and the intentions you set out for yourself. If I’ve lulled you into a nice snooze, enjoy your rest! Maybe, just maybe, sharing my daily structure gives you some fresh ideas for you to play with. Now you’ve seen inside my day. The End.
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Give yourself permission to enjoy a play day.
Soft morning light spills across my kitchen table while I sip tea and feel a quiet nudge from within. Today calls for something different, something light and free. Moreover, I decide right then to give myself permission to enjoy a play day without guilt or agenda. Consequently, the usual to-do list fades into the background as curiosity takes the lead.
Warm breezes and spontaneous ideas guide me outside where simple joys wait patiently. Furthermore, laughter bubbles up naturally when I skip stones across a nearby pond or chase clouds with my imagination. However, this choice feels radical in a world that praises constant productivity. Nevertheless, my heart knows better and whispers that rest and recreation fuel true aliveness.
Granting myself permission for a joyful play day
Questions swirl about why adults often postpone fun until some distant future reward arrives. Thus, I now recognize these moments as essential nourishment rather than frivolous extras. Meanwhile, stepping into play reconnects me with parts of myself that responsibilities had quietly tucked away.
Here are meaningful ways this practice enriches daily living:
- Play day permission releases built-up stress and invites fresh creativity
- Enjoy a play day boosts mood through natural endorphins and lighter perspectives
- Adult play day strengthens relationships and sparks innovative problem-solving
Additionally, colors seem brighter and time stretches generously when I follow what delights me most. Therefore, what starts as unstructured wandering often leads to surprising insights about my deeper needs.
Fortunately, science supports this gentle rebellion against nonstop seriousness. Learn more about these advantages here. Ultimately, my energy returns renewed and my spirit feels lighter after honoring the invitation.
Likewise, sharing this freedom with others multiplies the magic as we remember how good it feels to simply be. So, the next time busyness tries to crowd out delight, pause and listen to that inner voice. After all, life blooms more fully when we give ourselves permission to enjoy a play day. This practice continues teaching me that joy is not earned but claimed in the present moment with open hands and a willing heart.
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Life Gifts
- I send you whimsical moments that make you giggle out loud, whether or not you’re around people.
- I send you soothing healing.
- I send you appreciation for caring to make healthy choices for yourself.
- Sending you joy.
- I send you a path of petals on which to tread as you navigate life.
- Sending you calm to scatter around the chaos.
- I send you light to illuminate the places inside you that seem dark.
- I send you delicious moments to remove clutter from your life.
- Sending you giant pails of peace to spill or splash in.
- Sending you bursts of energy and focus.
- I send you honor and respect as you navigate this wave in your life.
- Sending you flashlights for exploring your dark places.
- I send you love.
- Sending you willing, loving hearts and hands to help you.
- Sending you peace and beauty, like the glassy stillness of a lake before the breeze’s caress stirs things up.
- I send you quiet fields of lavender to enjoy soft, quiet moments.
- Sending you oodles of energy noodles.
- I send you a warm spot of cheer and buckets of love for you to use as you wish.
- I send you courage and honor.
- Sending you loving hands to cradle your tender heart.
- I send you focus as you practice setting up new routines to support your engagement with your true self.
- I send you succulent sweet chocolate kisses and delightfully warm hugs.
- Sending you love and caring.
- I send you music to make your insides dance.
- I send you comfy pillows to cradle you in love and comfort.
- Sending you a luxury craft to drift in a while you regroup.
- Sending you blankets of love to help you feel safe.
- I send you a warm hand to hold as you experience the array of feelings that go along with the death of your loved one.
- I send you lush green mountain meadows splattered with wildflowers for you to rest and rejuvenate your soul.
- I send you fruit-full surprises in your journey.
- I send you warm blankets to snuggle with as you sip warm tea and warm up your cold body.
- I send you gentle care and comfort, and I hold your heart with love in mine.
- I send you chortles, giggles, and warm hugs.
- I send you fresh, crisp apple bites of life to bite into everyday.
- Sending you giggles.
- I send you soothing cups of hot tea, your favorite music to listen to and time for you to relax and enjoy.
- I send you flexibility to allow your writing dream to come to life as you live it.
- I send you calm as you step back into work from being off for a few weeks.
- I send you life rafts for navigating the waters of life.
- I send you a warm, relaxing breeze, a comfortable hammock with sounds of water lapping on the shore.
- I send you moments to fill your year with acknowledgment of how truly special you are in this world.
- I send you large bundles of gratitude for being who you are, and for being connected with me.
- I send you different flavored lollipops to quench your craving.
- I send you glorious freedom to move your body and experience joy.
- I send you delightful whimsey, goodness over flowing, and creative deliciousness today.
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