Happiness and peace of mind

“If you got by without a work identity for the first eighteen or twenty years of your life, you can certainly get by without one for another twenty years - or for however long you live after you retire. Thinking that you need  a career identity to be a whole person is to deny yourself happiness and peace of mind.”-Ernie J. Zelinski, How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free.

(Although I wouldn’t mind occasionally being “identified” as an excellent pickleball player in my retirement years, I know it’s unlikely to happen, especially since I keep incurring musculoskeletal injuries whenever I go at it too hard on the court, and it’s just not necessary for me to be happy and have peace of mind! 😂)

A change of heart

When I was the medical director for a large medical team, many women, on the team, got pregnant.

Due to our generous maternity leave policy, as well as the amount of vacation most had usually accrued prior to getting pregnant, it was pretty much the standard that all would be absent from work for at least 6 months, once the baby arrived.

We never had the ability to hire temporary staffing.

So, whenever told by someone that they were pregnant, I would, obviously, always say, “Congrats! That’s great, wonderful news!”

But internally, while immediately contemplating a future prolonged staffing shortage would think, “Yikes (actually, I’m ashamed to admit…Crap)!”

Our first grandchildren, twins, are now almost 5 months old.

Their Mom has had an extended amount of time off, which has been a wonderful blessing, but must return to work soon.

She’s done an amazing job.

I really wish she had more (paid) time-off.

For some reason, I’ve never pondered a possible staffing shortage on her team, or had any inappropriate internal thoughts 😉!

RIs

I’ve been exercising a lot.

An earlier post reviewed my first retirement injury (RI) almost three months ago-a strained lower back sustained during a yoga class-I’m not kidding.

My 2nd RI occurred last evening-tweaked my left hamstring playing pickleball.

(I know-at least a lot easier to comprehend how than the yoga class injury!)

Luckily, it didn’t occur until after a couple dog walks and 2 hours at the driving range.

I’m going to lay somewhat low today but still plan to get to the gym.

I’ve got to do a shoulder strengthening routine that I’ve done for over a year now, since tearing my right rotator cuff from hitting an overhead volley while playing pickleball.

That injury was my last pre-RI!

Poker night

I’ve played in a low stakes poker game, almost every Wednesday night, for years.

It’s always been a really fun night, win or lose.

Great group of guys.

It always represented an excellent diversion in the middle of most hectic work weeks.

A countdown in days to playing again was always omnipresent on my mind.

My wife would note how I seemed to be in a good mood most Wednesday mornings getting ready for work.

There are so many wonderful diversions now that occasionally it’s a Wednesday afternoon and I remember, “oh yeah, I’ve got poker tonight!”

I can’t say that’s been a bad thing whatsoever!

Looking fresh

A former colleague: It’s great to see you. You look fresh, well rested.

Me: Thanks.

I am well rested.

I haven’t had my sleep interrupted due to being on call through the night for over three months now.

Being on call through the night is part and parcel with being a physician.

While some nights were relatively quiet, others completely sucked.

Working through the night, for the nursing staff, was not a joy for them, I know.

I always did self-talk, when called, reminding myself of the same so as to be respectful in responding, especially when called for concerns that really weren’t urgent or emergent.

Also, some of the least experienced nurses worked through the night as it often represented an initial opportunity for employment in the healthcare system where I practiced.

However, they went home after the night shift to rest.

I navigated through the next day of work often feeling like crap due to sleep deprivation.

I can honestly say I don’t miss call, that’s for sure.

I had 40 years of intermittently being on call through the night and for entire weekends.

I almost can’t remember just how terrible I felt, and must have looked, for a good portion of my adult life.

Another tension-free day

I re-read some retirement cards.

One amusing message noted, “good-bye tension, hello pension.” 😂.

Today was another tension-free day.

Got up at 7am.

My wife headed off to work soon after.

Reviewed domestic and global news while having some breakfast.

Emptied dishwasher.

Took out the garbage.

Adjusted hot tub chemicals.

Put Vinegar down AC condensation drains and changed AC filters.

Walked the dogs.

Hit balls for an hour at TopGolf.

Walked through Academy sports but didn’t buy anything.

Got gas.

Grabbed drive-thru Chick-fil-A for lunch.

Went to the gym.

Walked through the PGA store but didn’t see anything I needed.

Got home.

Took a 30-minute Power Nap.

Watched a few instructional golf tutorial videos.

Read.

Walked the dogs again.

Feed the dogs.

Did some yard work.

…and now it’s just past 5 and my wife will be home soon.

She sometimes asks what I did during the day.

To be honest, some days have been so tension-free that I often only remember a few highlights.

But I’m ready today, but only if she asks.

Her work days, as were mine, would never have this entries title.

Probably no, at least for today

My wife: I heard the Geriatric fellowship program is going to expand and move to a new location. Would you be interested in precepting the geriatric fellows occasionally?

Me: I don’t know. I’ll give it some thought.

It’s a new day…I’m still giving it some thought.

I’m leaning toward “no,” but, who knows, I may have different thoughts tomorrow.

So, I’ll just keep these thoughts to myself for now unless you are reading this brief blog entry…then you’ll know as well! 😏.