Thanks for these thoughtful and interesting reflections, especially about finding meaning in life after retirement. People sometimes say that retirement is like a long sabbatical but really it isn't, if only because it is endless. You may remember that I retired in fall 2020, confronted by covid and soon by quite a serious cancer, now thankfully "cured." I do enjoy the lack of pressure to get things done but sometimes I'd also like to be a bit more in the thick of things. Overall, however, it's a wonderfully free situation.
I appreciate your musings on meaning and retirement. I'm thinking about this too, and it does seem important to think about and plan for in advance to the extent that it's possible. Certainly to identify fundamental conditions of your own flourishing. From what you say it sounds like you thrive best in an urban environment and like a lively, peopled world of ongoing engagement (including philosophical engagement). I can so relate to that! When you do ultimately retire, there will be ways to create those conditions. The constraints you're managing during these months of recuperation have got to carry their own kinds of challenges (and to be frustrating and isolating, especially as you begin to feel so much better!). On the brain fog: I'm so sorry you are dealing with that. It is hard. I experienced it for several years (5!). It was a side effect of medication (Tamoxifen) I was taking for cancer treatment. Oddly, and I know another person who had the same experience (also with T.), I could teach without much difficulty despite the brain fog. But writing philosophy was harder. I have no idea why. Maybe something about the adrenaline involved in teaching? In any case, I hope yours lifts very soon!
So glad to hear your strength is returning, Darrel! I also really related to the description of finding meaning in retirement, as my Mum is currently in a very similar position... If you do end up figuring out some answers be sure to share them with us on here!
Thanks for these thoughtful and interesting reflections, especially about finding meaning in life after retirement. People sometimes say that retirement is like a long sabbatical but really it isn't, if only because it is endless. You may remember that I retired in fall 2020, confronted by covid and soon by quite a serious cancer, now thankfully "cured." I do enjoy the lack of pressure to get things done but sometimes I'd also like to be a bit more in the thick of things. Overall, however, it's a wonderfully free situation.
That is re-assuring. Thanks!
I appreciate your musings on meaning and retirement. I'm thinking about this too, and it does seem important to think about and plan for in advance to the extent that it's possible. Certainly to identify fundamental conditions of your own flourishing. From what you say it sounds like you thrive best in an urban environment and like a lively, peopled world of ongoing engagement (including philosophical engagement). I can so relate to that! When you do ultimately retire, there will be ways to create those conditions. The constraints you're managing during these months of recuperation have got to carry their own kinds of challenges (and to be frustrating and isolating, especially as you begin to feel so much better!). On the brain fog: I'm so sorry you are dealing with that. It is hard. I experienced it for several years (5!). It was a side effect of medication (Tamoxifen) I was taking for cancer treatment. Oddly, and I know another person who had the same experience (also with T.), I could teach without much difficulty despite the brain fog. But writing philosophy was harder. I have no idea why. Maybe something about the adrenaline involved in teaching? In any case, I hope yours lifts very soon!
So glad to hear your strength is returning, Darrel! I also really related to the description of finding meaning in retirement, as my Mum is currently in a very similar position... If you do end up figuring out some answers be sure to share them with us on here!