I am a recovering workaholic. I could go through the twelve steps, but I’m stoned at the moment and don’t feel like it right now. Yes, I still worry about money and what the future holds, but it’s onward through the fog. Some people call it retirement, but I just say I’m not working anymore. I always wondered how, why, and when this day would come, but Covid solved that problem for me.
I was an artist in the medical field for over fifty years, also an amateur musician, poet, songwriter, and gem cutting rock hound , but for the time being doing nothing has become my latest hobby! Thank goodness I found Medium on Google, or somewhere on the internet, because while I’m doing nothing I can pretend that I’m a writer! But even better, I can read articles, poetry, and posts by people like me. Very cool!
My wife was a farm girl and always had pets way before she met me, so when we started our odyssey together pets have always come along with the deal. I never had been a pet person, but over the years I have discovered how important pets are to relationships and family. It’s gut wrenching when you lose one of your pets, but the love, responsibility and companionship they provide have eased my withdrawal from workaholism, and so has Medium! Folks who are members of the Medium family have made me explore new perspectives, laugh at my self, and if I have a moment of inspiration, write a few lines. I enjoy making a comment or two if I feel the need, but most of all I enjoy the time. Let’s face it, what a creative first world way to wile away the hours. We do have many things that need to be worked out in this crazy world, but really, the majority of Americans who write on Medium are dealing with first world issues! Bills to maintain your internet connection so you can stay connected twenty four hours a day, households, cars, relationships, groceries, your recreational toys, electricity, water, and most of all, your cell phones! I have to admit, it’s complicated, but not life threatening! I’m finding out how to control my mind may be the most difficult part of living the so called “American Dream!” Loneliness is all it’s built up to be, and overcoming it is a challenge that many of us are truly trying to overcome.
More money might help, but it’s not the answer to a satisfying happy life. That mystery may never be solved, you’re born, you live, you die, it’s a role of the dice in between.
So, thanks Medium, my wife, my sons, and my Ms. Mighty Mouse the bulldog for helping me in my workaholic recovery, and for all the Medium family for being supportive and their encouraging thoughts and words that make life worthwhile! Here’s to Medium and the Medium family, thank you.
Happy writing ✍️
