Tossing and turning in bed, I woke several times throughout the night (I am, after all, a male of a certain age). These awake periods were interrupted by shortish periods of REM sleep accompanied by numerous vivid dreams. The issue? The dreams were all about work!
Judy and I were just talking yesterday that we’d reached a turning point in my retirement journey. We’re transitioning from the “nesting” phase into the much-anticipated travel and “la dolce far niente” phase of retirement. During this first phase (which really started when I submitted my retirement paperwork back in October), much of my focus as on nesting projects, such as transforming our former home office into a more relaxing library/game space. Gone was the brag wall of diplomas, awards and tributes; replaced by dozens of pictures telling the story of us and a wall-sized map with pins indicating our past and planned travels.
In what she laughingly calls “Judy Theory,” my bride says our brains have been geared towards work since entering Kindergarten. Letting go of that mindset in retirement is incredibly difficult. Completing these home projects gives the same rush as checking off an important accomplishment on my old work To-Do lists.
I’m ready to move on, but the existence of these dreams feels like my subconscious isn’t quite ready to let go of my work past. I’m trying to channel my inner Elsa and “let it go” but my sleep brain keeps bringing it back! Perhaps some upcoming trips will help reset my synapses to this non-work paradigm by taking us away from the comforts of home. In the meantime, I’m asking the voice inside my head to sing the let it go mantra!
(You’re welcome for the earworm.)
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