For most of my life, I played by the rules. I served my country in uniform. I stayed informed, I worried about all things big and small and checked the boxes of what a “good citizen” is supposed to do.
I’m not saying a broken arm is a good thing, but since I fell down and went boom, I’ve had plenty of time to read a lot of wretched news and rethink pretty much everything. Whatever I thought I knew doesn’t seem to be true anymore.
This I do know — whatever it is going on out there leaves many of us feeling anxious, divided and powerless. We didn’t choose it, and we can’t control it.
While I’ve tried hard to disengage from all this noise in the past, I always felt guilty for not paying attention. It’s my duty! But it has occurred to me we can redefine what it means to be a good citizen. It does not mean we have to save the world one doomscroll at a time.
For me, it means being peaceful and kind. Mastering the art of the micro-joy. Helping my neighbors. Supporting my community. I think that does more for the world than being angry and miserable.
I mean, hell, yeah, I’m still going to vote, do what’s right, speak up, pay my bills and follow the law, but at age 70, I want to focus day-to-day on my happy retired life – the one filled with art, cooking, walking, chocolate and other simple pleasures … the life I started to write about eight years ago but got sidetracked by political drama.
This is my way of saying I’m returning to my roots. You will read less about politics and more about the experiences of a retired person observing life and just trying to be happy. The biggest news will come from my kitchen. Or maybe from my workshop in the garage.
It does feel as though the world is spinning out of control until you realize you aren’t in control anyway. I do not believe it’s a cop-out to disengage a bit. I do not believe it makes us bad citizens. Quite the opposite.
Those of us who choose happiness over hysteria are not part of the problem. Call me crazy, but I like to think we are actually part of the solution. Perhaps living simply and living well is resistance in its finest form. Proof good people can flourish, and peace is still possible.
As for the picture, I was baking yesterday. Baking saves lives. And yes, I think I’m getting my mojo back.
Thank you. That is exactly what I’ve been doing. I will continue to check every morning to see if he is still alive and then enjoy my simple life the rest of the day. I can’t stop him from destroying the world but I won’t let him destroy my life.
Can you post the recipe please….. they sound wonderful
Yay, I found it here:
https://oliveandvyne.com/blogs/recipes/savory-chorizo-manchego-muffins
It’s actually from the America’s Test Kitchen cookbook, The Savory Baker. An excellent book, by the way.
Manchego cheese muffins with chorizo and red pepper? You don’t just have your mojo back, you are flying that standard high, high, high. They sounds absolutely bloody yummy (excuse the British-ness).
On a more serious note. I’ve spent many hours in my office pondering the state of my life, and have come to the same conclusion. I need more simple living and (a lot) less doom-scrolling with its attendant angst and frustration. My local town council recently posted about their bid for UK Town of Culture 2028, seeking volunteers to support them. Unexpectedly, my finger twitched in response. Too much of my energy is going to stuff which is out of my control (near panic attack yesterday), so I shall retreat into a smaller world where I can make a difference. Thank you for your words. I was teetering on making this decision, and now I no longer feel bad about making it.
Yes, this is hard. I went back and edited my post because it seemed so harsh in the light of day. I’m not quitting on my country. Maybe strategic disengagement? And not forever, just long enough to stay sane. I do feel better and hope you do, too.
“Living simply and living well is resistance in its finest form.” Love it.
Thanks, Denise. I’m hoping it turns out to be true!
Resistance in its finest form – hear!hear! Living a quiet rural life helps me to disengage from what I call Big Brother & its influences. I keep a focus on what I can influence & control, for better or worse.
That’s a prescription for happiness.
I’m so glad you made this decision! Social media has also made everything worse. Both sides want to keep us angry and upset in my opinion. Looking forward to more retirement related posts and definitely baking and recipes. Positivity and happiness are better for our health also!
I agree. I guess this is a form of social media, but I don’t do any of the rest.