The Habit I Didn’t Expect to Bring Into Retirement
You would think that after retiring, I’d be all about slowing down—savoring the quiet mornings, lingering over coffee, and moving through the day with ease.
But the truth is… I’m still rushing.
And this morning, I finally asked myself, why?
A Life Built Around Hustle
I’ve spent most of my life in hustle mode.
I worked outside the home while raising three kids. Our days were filled with tight schedules—quick dinners, rushing out the door for sports, and never-ending to-do lists. I didn’t just move fast; I lived fast.
And even now, I catch myself doing it.
I rush through my morning routine.
I rush through brushing my teeth, showering, doing my makeup.
I rush through my stretches and even my meals.
It’s like my brain is still wired to believe that I have so much to do, that I have to get my things done swiftly.
Then Comes the Afternoon…
Here’s the kicker—after rushing all morning, I’m usually done with everything by lunchtime.
And then? I’m bored.
I find myself sitting more than I want to.
I’m becoming more sedentary than I’d like, and I don’t like that feeling at all.
There’s no real reason to rush anymore… but I still do it out of habit.
Realizing What I’ve Missed
God gently reminded me of something this morning during my quiet time.
I realized how often I’ve missed out on moments—not just now, but back when my kids were little—because I was always looking ahead to the next thing.
I think that’s one reason I struggle with memory. I wasn’t present. I was in motion, but not really grounded.
It’s a tough realization. But it’s also a gift.
Because now I know what I want to do differently.
Choosing to Be Intentional
So I’m starting to shift things.
🟣 I’m praying each morning to slow down.
🟣 I’m reminding myself that I don’t have to rush.
🟣 I’m learning to savor the everyday things—getting ready, cooking, eating, tidying up.
Even something as simple as slowing down while eating is hard for me. It’s always felt like a “check the box” task, not something to enjoy. But that’s changing.
Bit by bit, I’m learning to live slower and more intentionally.
Can You Relate?
If you’re retired or semi-retired and still rushing through your days, just know… you’re not alone.
This mindset runs deep.
But slowing down is possible—one moment at a time.
We don’t need to earn rest. We don’t need to prove our productivity.
We just need to be—with intention, grace, and presence.
Let’s Chat
Do you find yourself rushing even when there’s no real need to?
Do you struggle with staying present or remembering moments from your past because life was always moving so fast?
I’d love to hear your story in the comments below. 💬
And if this resonates with you, make sure to check out my new YouTube channel, The Redeemed Mess—where I share more faith-based encouragement and the lessons I’ve learned from life’s harder seasons.