Monday, January 30, 2012

Thoughts from home

We're between destinations this week, so I've had some time to reflect on other things as I catch up with everything needing to be done at home.

In a blog last October I talked about priorities to guide my life, as opposed to goals, which were the driver for my first year of retirement. See the post here: http://bagladyinwaiting.blogspot.com/2011/10/retirement-year-2.html

I identified my priorities as spirituality, health, community, purpose, and curiosity. I know those are the primary movers for me. But what I noticed recently is that I was working mainly in the areas of purpose and curiosity - in the #4 and #5 order of things - which I would have done anyway if I'd never made a list! And I was not working so much on the top three. And I was feeling restless.

So, while we were in Arizona, I considered what spirituality and health look like for me, and I got into the habit of a discipline for each of them, which I have now done every day for two weeks, usually before I attend to everything else in my day. And for community, #3, I made a commitment to see a friend, talk to a friend, email a friend, or blog my community, every day. So far that's working for me.

We leave on Wednesday for three weeks in Ecuador. We're doing a home exchange with an American couple who retired there from the east coast. I'm a little nervous about this trip, because it's the first time we've ever traveled internationally, except in a guided group, to a country where English is not widely spoken. I'm not too adventurous, either, so I've done a lot of reading and note taking. We'll be picked up at the Quito airport by a driver from our first-night hotel. We'll be picked up at the hotel the next morning by a driver from the town we're going to. And when we get to our house, there will be a large binder full of information. I'm thinking by that time my initial hesitation will have dissipated.

My next blog entry will be from South America!










22 comments:

Perpetua said...

Happy travelling, Linda, and I love the way you're living your retirement according to principles. You set a good example.

Linda said...

I'm tired just reading your travel schedule must less living it. I know you'll enjoy your time in South America just like you've enjoyed every other place you've visited.

Tracy said...

Linda,
It sounds like you are having a wonderful time...your travels made me think of the Eat,Pray, Love book...enjoy!

Travels with Emma said...

Now that will be an adventure, and #5 should get a real workout. :)

Out on the prairie said...

Very nice plans, I miss being free to do all.

Muffy's Marks said...

Have a wonderful adventure.

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

Have an safe and wonderful trip, Linda! You're truly an inspiration!

DJan said...

Happy travels, Linda. I do hope you will take the time to tour the Galapagos Islands while you are there. I have some very wonderful memories of the place from 2004. It's interesting in myriad ways.

You are such an inspiration with all your adventures! I look forward to hearing what you'll post from South America. :-)

Lynilu said...

Looking forward to hearing about your wonderful trip! Enjoy!

And congrats on the structuring of your life. Excellent choices. :)

Bob Lowry said...

What an exciting adventure, Linda. I'm not sure I'd be comfortable in doing what you are, but maybe your experiences will convince me.

I look forward to your posts.

Teresa Evangeline said...

Have a wonderful time!

Sally Wessely said...

Wow. You are one traveling lady. I will catch up with you in South America. How do you do it all???

Bon Voyage!

Galen Pearl said...

I spent a very fun and memorable New Year's Eve in Quito in 1973! You will have a great time!

Arkansas Patti said...

You really are facing an adventure. Hopefully since you are using the house of an American, surely they retired near other Americans.
Otherwise, one of those translation gadgets would be handy.
Looking forward to hearing about the trip.

Beth said...

One of my favorite quotes: "Leap empty handed into the void. What awaits is the creative power of the unknown". I have NEVER traveled with a group and I traveled extensively throughout Europe with NO reservations of any kind. It left room to be guided by the Universe and every day was serendipity. I looked for surprises and wonderment every where I went and that's exactly what I found. Those trips are my best memories.

Ms Sparrow said...

How I envy you for having so many adventures. Spread your wings and fly!

Meryl Baer said...

Have a great time in Ecuador! Sounds like a fascinating trip. Enjoy and keep us posted!

Sandi said...

Well, Linda, I think you are very brave! I am excited to hear about your adventures and look forward to reading about new places.

Good for you to take another look at those priorities and make changes that fit.

Out on the prairie said...

I think the language barrier will be a lot less than you think on this next trip.

Ms Sparrow said...

PS: Thanks for the input on riding sidesaddle. I always thought it looked so uncomfortable and insecure!

Jenn Flynn-Shon said...

So exciting! I bet you'll have the most amazing time and I can't wait to read all about it :-) Safe travels!

Friko said...

Happy Landings, Linda.

I wish i could live to a schedule, all my days just run into each other; there are people to see, jobs to do, interests to pursue, dogs to walk, dinners to cook.

And so it goes. One day i shall wake up and think "where's it all gone".