It is with much regret that i am writing to you today.Recent events have made me make this sad decision.I am leaving CycleChat,the Retirement Section.Early this year i undertook a new part time position as a care giver.I recently returned home from a holiday in Portugal.Today overwhelmed with the catch up of work not completed whilst being away,it has come to my attention i am no longer retired.A quick walk around the garden this morning has revealed an abundance of weeds that need removing.The interior of the house has a slight film of dust on surfaces,a large quantity of washing up this morning ,has made me rethink my position in the retirement team.,also an amount of dried washing has been found in the tumble dryer,this is after spending over two hours with a hot iron yesterday ironing holiday clothes and clothes worn by my father in law in the care home.Today Sunday due to an unexpected workload i have not gone to church,i am not able to do everything without blowing my top. so i have come to a decision i am no longer retired.I will of course keep in touch via other sections of CC,but sadly not retirement postings ,it has been wonderful and i hope to be back,before the grim reaper turns his page and my name appears on his list.It does not help ones attitude that one has a crappy throat,due to changes in temperature and weather conditions and being with many people on a coach and plane.I remain your humble servant Postman.
I know this feeling well. Two or three years ago it was partly why I left CC for perhaps 9 or 10 months. I can't recall. I spent a lot of time thinking things through, understood my priorities and what I want from my remaining years.
Even in retirement life can become overwhelming. Your post seems like a cry for help. May I suggest you sit back, look at everything you do. How much is for you? How much for others? What are the essentials? What am I doing for others that I could ditch? I don't know but much of it will be small stuff that builds up.
I was my cycling club sec. I ditched it. It had become a job. I resolved to get on top of all that needed doing. Keep on with what must be done, stop the other stuff especially if it's non-essential and for other people. Be a little selfish, create some "me" time, some "postie" time.
The last 2 - 3 months have been difficult here. I had taken on, again, too much "other people" stuff. I completed my commitments and will be careful in future. I've got on top of most household stuff and learned to live with a few cobwebs. Hell this morning I stripped the bed, washed linen and put it back on without ironing.
My wife has stage 4 cancer. It creates pressure but I've grasped the need to care for myself as well. Mrs P is actually very well and active but gets very tired. This means she is not able to contribute to the house as she once used to.
Prioritise. Clear out the crap. Reset and go again. It may take a few weeks or months but you will come out the other end and it will be fine.
Hang in there.