Retirement blog: looking on the sunny side of life

We are about half way through dry January (well we were when I wrote this, now actually near the end). But we haven’t had much rain so far although we did get a little snow last Friday and for a while it seemed we might be snowed in at the barn. We weren’t, but we decided to cut our losses and head home. But that’s beside the point. It is said that January can be a difficult month for some to negotiate, even without the rain or snow. People prone to, what shall we call it – melancholia, get a bit down in the dumps. And the day I started to write this has been named ‘blue Monday’ on account of some bright spark working out it is the most depressing day of the year. That’s some accolade.

Always prone to looking on the glum side if I’m not careful, I can get into one of my, what’s the point of retirement modes or moods. For me this mostly manifests itself into, there must be more to it than this or I’m sure there is something I should be doing but I’m not. Yes, as regular readers of this blog will recall it’s that old missing link quandary.

Blame my dog-walking friend who we meet in the park who informed us he was feeling negative about life. He’d lost his enthusiasm he told us. His 94 year old neighbour who he takes shopping told him he’d forgot to buy any when they were out. We thought this very clever but turns out she simply didn’t have any idea what this ‘enthusiasm’ was and assumed you could buy it. Ha, as if.

Anyway I panicked about his loss of enthusiasm because I have a long list of jobs that we need doing and I can’t afford to have him off sick or pissed off because then I would have to do them myself, as I do at the Derbyshire cottage on account of it being 70 miles away. In an effort to cheer him up I upped my melancholia, in that misery loves company manner, and it kind of stuck. No doubt writing this blog will cheer me up.

I can’t blame the weather for my January malaise, as many SAD people do, because neither I nor Mrs Summerhouse are affected by bad weather. In fact we quite enjoy it if we have all our ducks in a row (lovely expression although maybe not if you’re a duck). By that I simply mean we can light the fire after walking the pups, a little relaxing music, read a book with something amusing to drink and eat. Those types of duck. The ones that keep the metaphorical (or is it mental) wolves from the door.

True when I got into my missing link type thinking I did take the opportunity, once more, to check with Mrs SH if there was anything she wanted to do bucket list-wise, knowing full well what her answer would be. And, sure enough, the reply was no, I’m fine, can’t think of anything. This ‘live in the moment’ approach can be hard work to the unconverted such as what Iam.

This mention of the bucket list is no accident. A friend of ours has been told he has a month to live. But strangely when I asked him if there was anything he wanted to do / to go, his response was the same although maybe for very different reasons as Mrs SH’s, no I’m fine, thanks.

This kind of terrible news as it affects a friend can bring about a variety of different responses from those of us still hoping for a few years more on this planet. They range from the saintly to the selfish. I think I had them all – will I stop moaning about the state of my retirement and feel grateful for all I’ve got. Or, these vague ideas you have about the missing link you’d better identify it and, if it’s travel related, then get off while you still can. Or the, Oh my God, isn’t the world a terrible place, and even, I won’t be sorry when I leave it as my mother so frequently told us.

Hang on I have given this blog the title of the sunny side of life. I may have fallen somewhat short of that as a title so I’ve got 300 words to correct this misinformation and cheer you all up, if you need it. So all the good things in my retirement – good relationships with partner and children and dogs although not necessarily in that order. Health, well not too bad, although with another diabetes review coming up later this month that may be a tad optimistic. Finances OK, although I never check leaving the tedious business of making ends meet to Mrs SH. Blog, jazz, vineyard, properties all OK although, all could be better – diabetes more under control, more blog readers, better piano skills, a healthier vineyard etc.

I nearly managed to strike a positive note there but it was a tremendous struggle. I’m much happier dwelling on the negative. My late mother had it down to a fine art, always think the worst of life then it can only pleasantly surprise you. To which, I would silently add, or find your predictions coming true. The remainder of this blog is advice on how to ‘beat’ the above blue Monday feeling, a bit late now) taken from AOL internet. Make of it what you will.

Don’t skip breakfast – It’s a bit of a cliche at this point, but a decent breakfast can make a big difference to how you feel in the morning. One slice of toast and a strong coffee probably isn’t quite cutting it, so try to find something a little more nutritious. A bit of extra effort will go a long way.

Stay off social media – More and more people are checking their phone for notifications within minutes of waking up, which isn’t a great habit to get into. The chances are you won’t have missed anything important in the eight or so hours you’ve been asleep. Instead of checking why not put on your favourite album or take a long shower?

Make fun plans for the evening – Early Monday mornings can be a drag, but you might find them a little easier if you have something to look forward to at the end of it. Whether that’s a trip to the cinema, a meal out or a quiet night in catching up with a few friends – just because you’re working tomorrow, doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun.

Start something other than a diet -The logic of starting a diet on a Monday has always been slightly warped. Instead, use your Monday as an opportunity to start something that you might actually enjoy, like a new sport or fitness class, a television show or book. You could even start learning a new language. What’s stopping you?

Do some job hunting (can’t say this applies to the retired person but there is probably an equivalent) – If you’re having trouble with Mondays, maybe you need to think about whether you’re getting the job satisfaction you need. There’s no reason to do anything drastic – storming into your manager’s office and dramatically quitting does not come recommended – but there’s no harm in having a browse at what jobs are available and shooting off a few applications. You never know what could come of it.

Be productive – Although it isn’t always easy, if you can push yourself to have a successful Monday, you’ll probably feel more positive about the rest of the week. Making a list of things you want to achieve is always a good way to stay focused, with few feelings more satisfying than crossing off a job you’ve been dreading for a while.

Or adopt a pet