I’m just kidding….other than this upcoming surgery thing, life’s treating me pretty well these days. But the question that keeps coming back as I adjust to being on Social Security is this: now that I’ve been freed from the stresses involved with trying to obtain (and keep) gainful employment, what does the rest of my life look like?
I’m only 56, after all. If statistics are to be believed, I should have at least another 25 years ahead of me, and even if not, I’m still far too young to sit around waiting to die. There are things I can and should be doing to contribute to society; I just haven’t figured out yet what they are. To be honest, I really never expected to retire—I’d pretty much assumed I’d be working until I keeled over at the nurses’ station one night as I signed off on some chart. But that was not the way whoever is in charge of these things decided it was to be, and now that I’ve got all this time in front of me, I need to figure out what to do with it.
Of course, this is probably the best time ever to write the next great American novel. I’ve wanted to do it all my life. Only trouble is, I’ve discovered that I lack the imagination to write fiction, let alone the attention span to develop a storyline and see it through to the end. That’s a handy bit of knowledge to have right there, especially before I attempt a 50,000-100,000-word manuscript. Stephen King has no competition from this little corner of the world. Ha!
There’s always nonfiction, though, and while I think there are plenty of books about nurses, and plenty of books about bipolar disorder, there probably aren’t very many about nurses WITH bipolar disorder. I’m just not sure anyone would want to read such a book, which is why I haven’t written one. Then again, I wouldn’t even have to write it; it’s already writing itself right here on this blog. And people read it…..hmmm. I may have to take another look at that one of these days.
The other thing that strikes my fancy is becoming an advocate for people who struggle with their mental health. I mean, I know I already am one in a sense, but I’m talking about volunteering with a recognized organization such as the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) and/or the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA). I’m not sure how a small-town girl like me gets something like that up and running, but it’s clear to me that there is an unmet need for support groups in my area because there simply aren’t any…..and I’m certainly not the only person around here who could use one.
But there is a reason I hesitate to leap into activism: what if people started counting on me to get things done, to always be there for them, to keep the lights on? This is part of why I can’t work in the first place—I’m too scatterbrained and I can’t handle having too much expected of me. If I could find a way of doing something with NAMI or DBSA only when I feel OK—and being excused when I don’t—I think that could be a very good thing.
So maybe it’s time to get in touch with these organizations and see not only what they have to offer, but what I may have to offer them. This could get interesting. Stay tuned.
bpnurse 
# 1, I have the thought that I have to be doing something “useful.” Same old guilt, same story; I do not have to earn my keep! #2 – KNITTING! ROFL!
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It is not MO to want to starting “doing” stuff when I’m feeling better. I am doing better at remembering that I’m doing better because I’ve lowered my stress of doing too much. I encourage you to think on such things and keep honoring yourself by not doing one more thing just to be doing something. You matter just because you exist. xx
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Heather I thought you were talking to me and I was going to respond by saying, “Needed to hear that on this dreary Monday, BP!” Instead I will say ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” Heather lol!
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Oh brother, brain is not working. I thought you were BP speaking to me, Heather! need to go back to bed…
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That’s something to consider. I am better mainly because there is little stress in my life, and I’m handling what stress there is much better than I would if I were pushing myself. Thank you for your perspective. 🙂
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It’s been a week since you wrote this and I’m still thinking about it. It makes all kind of sense. I’m functioning well but my stress level is minimal…..if I were to go back to a high-stress life, I’d decompensate fast and probably take even longer to recover than it did this last time. thank you for your perspective. I have learned something.
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staying tuned. one day at a time. 😉
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Reblogged this on Sarah's Attic Of Treasures and Our Neck Of The Woods and commented:
This could have been written for or about me.
We DO have a lot to offer…We just have to FIND it.
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Linked this on my latest post. Other than your medical situation, I could have written this myself. Hugs!
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Reblogged this on blackboxnurse.
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it felt like it’s taken my years to figure out what’s next in my life. All I’ve ever known is how to be a nurse. I didn’t realize the pride that went along with it. It has been almost 3 years since my SSDI and I still from time to time am dismayed by my unelected predicament. Just like the stories I’ve heard for years, how newly retirees become very ill and depressed. Talk about the cherry on top of my mental illness struggle. I’ve chosen to fight! Concentration on my recovery has been more productive. My attempt at blogging and the time spent researching on my illness. I’ve taken up gardening, attempting to golf, making meals that are longer to prepare than my usual 1/2 hr quickies.
Focused on dieting, attempting a exercise ritual, staying up later than 9pm (as long as my seraquel allows. These are my new daily work. I must appreciate this change in lifestyle.
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Love it! (squints off into the distance) I see a new blog post for you. Or is there a link to it already? (grin)
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