Garfield the Cat and Retirement Depression?
by Ann
(Washington)
I taught for 32 years. All I could think about was to be retired one day and sleep in and relax and read and do what I wanted to.
I had a Garfield poster in my room and it shows him in his bed with the caption... "There's gotta be more to life but I hope not".
My first year retired was OK because I took a Spanish Class. My second year my husband retired and we bought a place in California (we live in Seattle).... I never expected to be Snowbirds but now we are.
My third year I feel like I need a psychiatrist.
I am on and off anti-depressants, I take xanax, I am restless, bored, and anxiety ridden. I feel such guilt about all of this because I have a sweet husband and lots to be thankful for. But every morning there is this monster pit in my stomach and I feel paralyzed.
I miss the kids when we are down here, but their lives are now very busy and full and happy! Even so, I find myself worrying about them and worrying about everything.
I don't need to be needed, I know what things I SHOULD do-- like listing all the things I am thankful for, do volunteer work, exercise, find a hobby BUT I am at a point where I can't find that niche.... and I am not trying to find it.
Maybe this isn't where I was suppose to write this. But hopefully it can be sent on to somebody who has felt the same and can help.
Wendy's 2-cents: On vacation, I just reread the book THE NEW EARTH... go to Amazon and get it -- for yourself!! This is the book that Oprah had a huge web class on last year, it affected many as it did me.
Bottom line: its all about peace of mind and how to not listen to that silly voice in our own heads...
You can also read more on the Oprah website.. just search for A NEW EARTH or ECKERT TOLLE, the author.
