It’s been two weeks since I left work and it feels weird.
On the one hand, it has been delicious to be able to sleep in occasionally, to listen to talk shows, to lounge with friends, and to not worry about details and deadlines.
On the other hand, I feel guilty about putting myself first, about having time, about not getting paid. It’s an odd feeling. I’m almost embarrassed to have this time to myself where I have virtually no responsibility or accountability. I am slowly learning to enjoy this time and take advantage of this unexpected blessing. I have also had to learn to manage my energy at home. I received polite feedback from family members that my uncurtailed energy can be overwhelming to the people around me as I rush headlong like a bull in a china store to get things done.
So while I celebrate and come to terms with the new calmer me, here is what I have been up to in the last two weeks:
- Signed up for a 12 week program called “the Science of Everyday Thinking”, offered by the University of Queensland. #learningneverstops
- Spent an hour with my talented editor, Susan Renouf, and worked on a plan for my book. #thecancerwarrior
- Went out for lunch and dinner with friends six times! #woohoo!
- Took a friend for a tour of the Ismaili Centre, the Aga Khan Museum and the Aga Khan Park. #proudtobeismaili
- Went to the gym 6 times. #thinthighsin30days
- Met with the Habibs (Afzal’s parents) to discuss engagement and wedding plans while skyping with Sabrina in New York and Afzal in Kenya, to understand their vision for the wedding. #motherinlawintraining
- Looked forward to daily scheduled calls with my cousin Zein to source potential reception venues for the wedding. #bestpartoftheday
- Watched all episodes of Heroes Reborn. #sittingontheedgeofmyseattv
- Co-designed a workshop on Effective Communication for a client for delivery next week. #nicetoworksometimes
- Met with my violinist and keyboard player to lay down the tracks of a cd that I am recording with friends. #creativejuicesflowing
- Sourced, interviewed and negotiated crazy wicked pricing for multiple tree pruning.
- Visited a friend who has Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma to reminisce on shared experiences, and help him prepare for the stem cell transplant process.
- Bought a brand new iPhone and bid a tearful farewell to my Blackberry Z10.
- Went to Jamatkhana times regularly for morning and evening prayers.
- Ordered 6 books from amazon.ca for reading over Christmas.
- Coached two clients to support their life goals.
- Organized and cleaned the garage.
- Learnt how to make potato and leek soup.
- Participated in the November executive team meeting for the Toronto & District Multiple Myeloma Support Group. #greattogiveback
- Agreed to lead a short project for a program that will run the first week of December.
- Said “no” to two volunteer opportunities because they were not the right fit for my skills. #learningtosayno
- Possibly said yes to doing a motivational speech for an event at the end of November. #oldhabitsdiehard
- Planned an event at our home for November 21st.
- Wrote 3 blogs.
Can’t wait for the next two weeks……
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