I think it's really awesome that you get to enjoy this stretch of your life!
I was privileged to be able to take a "break" from work (been working 20+ years) and during that period (just over a year) I became super jealous of my own time. I re-learned how to enjoy a vacation without having the "work cloud" over my head. I re-learned to just be sick when I was sick! Cliché but I learned that time my loved ones is super precious. That spending time with my 10 year old son as much as possible is imperative because he will never be 10 again. I re-learned how to be healthier and prioritize sleep. I learned that I never want work to come between the things I enjoy doing with my time and that I'd do anything to maximize the latter at the expense of the former. I learned that I want to retire early to have full control of my time =).
Thank you! I just read something that said for most parents, when your kid is 12, you'll have spent over 90% of the time you'll have spent with them your whole life. Sobering! But also definitely redefines what is important, especially with my oldest almost turning 12.
Woah, that kinda spooked me! How does that math work out? Assuming moving out at 18, 12 is still kinda far from 90% of 18. Maybe if you assume lots of things about stereotypical teen years, but it doesn't quite feel like that's going to be the case with this generation. Anyway, feels like a stretch, but there's definitely that looming knowledge of being less in the center of my kids' lives.
This really resonates Jean! Celebrate with those forbidden lower right quadrant activities and hygge. Entering funemployment myself this day - will watch your musings here
Congrats Jean!! Excited for you to get some rest and time to yourself :)
Thank you! Time to myself is hard to come by with three kids, so I am fully appreciating and enjoying it!!
I love how you redefined "productivity" and what's important for you right now. And those reflections on the glorious ginkgo tree!
Congrats on your new chapter.
And fingers crossed on your lemongrass!
Two of them have some roots, so I am optimistic! Also once they're in the ground, hopefully they'll spread.
I think it's really awesome that you get to enjoy this stretch of your life!
I was privileged to be able to take a "break" from work (been working 20+ years) and during that period (just over a year) I became super jealous of my own time. I re-learned how to enjoy a vacation without having the "work cloud" over my head. I re-learned to just be sick when I was sick! Cliché but I learned that time my loved ones is super precious. That spending time with my 10 year old son as much as possible is imperative because he will never be 10 again. I re-learned how to be healthier and prioritize sleep. I learned that I never want work to come between the things I enjoy doing with my time and that I'd do anything to maximize the latter at the expense of the former. I learned that I want to retire early to have full control of my time =).
Have a wonderful break just being you!
Thank you! I just read something that said for most parents, when your kid is 12, you'll have spent over 90% of the time you'll have spent with them your whole life. Sobering! But also definitely redefines what is important, especially with my oldest almost turning 12.
Woah, that kinda spooked me! How does that math work out? Assuming moving out at 18, 12 is still kinda far from 90% of 18. Maybe if you assume lots of things about stereotypical teen years, but it doesn't quite feel like that's going to be the case with this generation. Anyway, feels like a stretch, but there's definitely that looming knowledge of being less in the center of my kids' lives.
Remarkable news, and enjoy your well deserved break!
This really resonates Jean! Celebrate with those forbidden lower right quadrant activities and hygge. Entering funemployment myself this day - will watch your musings here