I read an Instagram post recently which a friend had posted. She was reflecting on what retirement meant to her but I particularly liked the following sentiment – “filling your days with things that matter – people, purpose, memories…..”. This really resonated with me. Despite having been retired from full-time work for nearly 7 years my days are full. Not frantic or struggling to keep my head above water but filled with things that matter. What a perfect phrase. Thank you, Judith, for enunciating this so clearly.

In fact, almost exactly 7 years ago, on 1st March 2019 I wrote this post where I explained that I had decided to do away with telling myself or anyone else that I was busy. I was actually still working full-time at that point although retirement was but a few months away.

My days are very different to what they looked like then. I rarely set an alarm unless we have some specific reason. I am certainly never bored and I feel that there is purpose in what I do.

Purposeful activity can look very different for everybody. Of course, it can vary wildly from week to week.

Travel and holidays are a highlight but the ordinary and mundane also add value.

My major activity, as it has been for the past month, is sorting and decluttering the huge amount of toys, games and puzzles. These have served the Occasional Child Care program at the local Neighbourhood Centre well for over 15 years, however, that program is no longer happening. The idea is to retain a quantity of the best quality items for a future program catering to a small number of children and rehome the rest.

No ‘before’ shots but this is one cupboard which is now sorted and easy to locate the contents.

It is timely as our town has a Town-Wide Garage Sale on the first Saturday in March.

Some of the goodies set aside to sell.

More than a little of my time was taken up in the early part of the week negotiating the wonders of our car insurance and submitting a claim after a relatively minor vehicle accident. Thankfully, it was not much worse.

I made some more reusable carry bags to donate to the Community Pantry. There were 6 made using various combinations of the patterned fabric and co-ordinating plain pieces. The patterned fabric was sourced from my community decluttering efforts so it was used thoughtfully.

Other sewing has been altering some tops for a friend. She wanted some side splits in several tops. This is one that I have completed.

Walking the dog every day serves multiple purposes – exercise for Islay, exercise for us and the opportunity to engage and socialise with numerous folks in our town. It is a rare day when don’t stop and chat with at least one person along the way.

When she is not walking Islay has a pretty easy life. This was when she was being bathed by the housesitters while we were away. She definitely is due for another bath as she enjoys having a dustbath in an empty garden bed.

Maintaining and nurturing friendships is a valuable activity and can occur in many ways. In the past few weeks I have been fortunate to reconnect online with some of my earliest work colleagues. March 1st marks 50 years since we commenced our student nurse training and through the wonders of the internet I have been able to chat with ladies from our group whom I have not seen since we completed our training 47 years ago. Needles to say, there is a get-together planned for May and I am looking forward to catching up in Brisbane.

This photo was taken in 1976 when I first started my student nurse training.

Have you considered what matters and how your life is purposeful?