When Illness Changes Everything

Learning to Slow Down: A Day in My New Life

Yesterday was one of those days that reminded me I’m still learning what this new season of life looks like.

Maddie, my sweet cat, woke me up at 6:50 a.m.—clearly she hasn’t accepted my retirement yet. I had hoped to sleep past 7, but she had other plans. So, I got up, poured my coffee, and settled into my morning devotional. The house was quiet, and for a little while, everything felt peaceful.

I spent some time scrolling Facebook and YouTube while Samson and Maddie both curled up in my lap. Those quiet moments are becoming some of my favorite parts of the day—simple, still, and full of comfort.

After taking my vitamins and finishing my smoothie, I started easing into the day. I stripped the bed and got the sheets washing, then took care of the laundry I had left in the dryer from Monday—running a de-wrinkle cycle and putting everything away. I unloaded and reloaded the dishwasher, had a couple of phone calls with my sister and my mom, and even managed to clean part of my bathroom.

By lunchtime, I was already feeling like I had accomplished quite a bit.

Later in the afternoon, I headed over to my mom’s house. I had planned to stay for about an hour and a half, but like many things in life, it turned into two and a half hours. It’s hard to leave when there’s always more that needs to be done.

When I got home, I cooked dinner, cleaned up the kitchen, and, with my husband’s help, got the clean sheets back on the bed. By that point, my body was letting me know I had done enough. I rested until it was time to shower, took my supplements, and made it to bed a little after 10 p.m.

This morning came early again—Maddie woke me up at 6:55. My neck, shoulders, calves, and back are all reminding me that I overdid it yesterday. It’s storming outside, and once again, the pets are asleep in my lap while I sip my coffee, finish my devotional, and scroll a little on my phone.

Today is going to look different.

I’m not going to get much done, and I’m learning to be okay with that. There are still a few small things I need to take care of—cleaning the shower, sweeping and mopping the bathroom floor, and washing the shower mat and rug—but beyond that, today is about rest.

This is the part of life I’m still adjusting to.

For so long, my days were packed, scheduled, and driven by responsibility. Now, I’m learning how to listen to my body… to stop before I’m completely worn out… and to give myself permission to rest without guilt.

Retirement isn’t just about stopping work.

It’s about learning a new rhythm.

And right now, I’m still finding mine.