By Shannon Williams
I am having a time problem…. I never know what day it is. I am late to everything and have over committed myself. I understand these are common problems to have when one retires. I get to go bed when I want to, sleep till I want to and pretty much put off lots of stuff, then have to push to get it done. When I was working, I had to be productive, I had routine, (doesn’t everyone wash their towels on Wednesday?) But that has all gone out the window and I am trying to figure out my new normal or an abnormal that works for me.
Of course, as we close out a old year and start a new one, we think about time. Two things happened this month that hit me hard. I got my Medicare card. Now, I have dealt with Medicare cards my whole professional life, as most of the social work I did was funded by the government and thus I have seen tons of Medicare cards and read more about various Medicare programs to last a few lifetimes, but seeing a card with my name on it proved that I was old! Lots of people are so glad to get this card as it brings with it health coverage, but in my case, it will be the first time I have had to pay for my own heath insurance ever. I was covered by my dad’s military health insurance till I got out of college and then I got a job with the state of Texas and they paid for my insurance premium and every job I have had since also covered the premium. I am not complaining at all, as the cost and coverage (from what I have seen from my husband) are great but it hit a little hard. That same week, I had to decide what I wanted to do with my Social Work license. I have been a licensed social worker in the state of Texas since 1982. When I changed departments two years ago, I put my license on hold as I was not working with clients, but the cost of the license has gone up, so I have decided to retire my social worker license. Time marches on and we can march along or just sit down on the curb. These days, I am doing some of both.
So, for New Year’s Eve, are we celebrating that the year is finally over and we get to be finished with it, we all have had those years, or do we celebrate a new beginning, a chance to start fresh or to just continue as we are? I am known to do a little of both. But it does mark a passing of time and to look at just how to we spend our time. I have often said “time is love” usually when someone tells me they are too busy to be part of a family or groups of friends or just being with someone. It is so easy to put off spending time with someone, most of the time they really need or want us to be part of their life. They wait and wait till we have time. I have used work as the excuse for not spending time with people for years. Most of the time it was true, but I could have given them more of my time, thus giving them a gift of love.
So, as 2024 ends and 2025 begins, I always look for a writing that I first saw in 1983, not sure of the source, but I read it each year and then try to do many of the things. I leave you with it in hopes that you will find some things that are worth your time and love, both which are meant to be shared with others.
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Think freely,
Practice patience, Smile often
Savor special moments
Live God’s message.
Make new friends, Rediscover old ones.
Tell those you love that you do.
Feel deeply
Forget Trouble.
Forgive an enemy
Hope, Grow
Count your blessings
Observe miracles, make them happen.
Discard worry
Give, Give in
Trust enough to take
Pick some daisies, Share them.
Keep a promise
Look for rainbows, Gaze at stars
See beauty everywhere
Work hard, be wise.
Try to understand, Make time for people
Make time for yourself
Laugh heartily, spread joy
Take a chance, Reach out.
Let someone in, Try something new
Slow down, Be soft sometimes
Celebrate life
Believe in yourself, Trust others.
See a sunrise, Listen to rain
Reminisce,
Cry when you need to
Trust Life.
Have good ideas, Learn
Make some mistakes, Learn from them
Explore the unknown
Hug a kid
