2018 Journey

Posted 22 Comments by dogear6
This was my manifesto at the beginning of 2018

My word for 2018 was journey, and what a year it was! It included:

  • Retirement after 43 years of doing tax work (and 50 years of working)
  • Remodeling the inside of the house, then fixing the outside after hail damage. This was followed by fixing the collateral damage caused by the tradesmen.
  • Traveling nearly every  month
  • Taking care of three old dogs
  • Chasing after two very young and energetic grandsons
  • Reading, walking, and improving my photography skills

What was surprising was that the journey has been slow and small. I expected it to be big and grand changes and I kept looking for something more. It was more than transition though – it was changing my entire mindset and expectations for myself.

I didn’t take a physical journey, as much I changed my life in several significant ways. None of this was anticipated at the beginning of 2018. Even though I’m still unsure what I’m reinventing myself to, I’m confident that I’ve laid the groundwork for my future.

One Word

dogear6 View All →

I am a backyard adventurer, philosopher and observer, recording my life in journals and photographs. Visit my blog at www.livingtheseasons.com.

22 Comments Leave a comment ›

    • We did a lot of travel last year! And with the government shutdown, I’m glad we did. I don’t think I want to be back in the national parks quite yet.

      I don’t think we’ll be moving, but we’ll be back on the road at some point.

      Thanks for stopping by and leaving a note. It’s always nice to hear from you.

  4. Life itself is a journey and yours is moving right along. I found the first year or two of retirement was confusing for me. But it all falls into place. I wish you and your family (including dogs of course) a wonderful 2019!! xo

    • Thank you! I remember you encouraging me with similar words when I considered retiring in 2015 (after I’d been laid off). It’s getting better, thankfully!

      Thanks for the well wishes. And the same to you as well. I loved seeing Dot playing with her friend the other day. I’m so glad we’re friends.

  7. Synchronized sleeping…lol! My cats do that, too. It sounds like it was quite a momentous year in many ways, Nancy. Wishing you all the best (and great adventures) in 2019!

  8. So glad to see you again. Sounds like you are making retirement work for you and having time to travel is wonderful! I enjoyed the dog’s photo and then I read the title… PERFECT!

    • I’m glad the synchronized dogs made you laugh! I’m still figuring out my new routines and how to be productive, but I’m sure enjoying just having the free time and not being on a schedule.

      I hope you’re doing well!

    • Thanks for the encouragement. I’ve definitely seen an overall downtick among all of us that have been longtime friends through WordPress. It’s too bad – we’ve supported each other a long time, but none of us can do it all.

  10. It is the collective journey over the course of years. Yours has been going for 43 years and now you have taken a new path. It takes time to explore this new path, but it is so exciting to trust the direction. There are great things around each curve, keep going and see what is around the next bend.

    • I was the same way. I made sure to live a good life and do what I wanted to, but of course it wasn’t to the extent that I wanted. And you’ve been careful too to make sure you’re still loving your life even with working still.

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