Life in Transition
October 17, 2008
5:05 pm
annie
Friends and Healing
A fresh nip of coolness has come to Oklahoma this last week. I almost need to turn on the heater to take the chill off in the morning. It is great to wear my sweatshirt and remember the fall season in Minnesota. I miss my family and friends up there and hope to visit soon. I broke my glasses earlier this week and won’t get my new ones until next week. It is an interesting perspective to view life without my glasses. I feel somewhat vulnerable and exposed without them. This says more about some grief work I am doing than about my overall well being. I feel strong and able to do the grieving of many issues.
I have been writing regarding retirement from my career as a therapist. This is different than being on disability. It has helped to shift my work from writing as a person with bipolar to a focus on my life in transition. I find that I feel a lack of purpose and therefore have been trying to find a “job” that would fill my need to be contributing through work. I doubt that any other job would come close to what I found doing therapy. I have placed the job search on hold and have invested hours each day to writing. I think this may be the focus for me for now. The words seem to flow and I am enjoying the structure of my days doing writing.
I will share some of my writing when it seems relevant. I do so appreciate each of you and your comments are very helpful. Some of you have commented that I need not have to be “writing” to enter a post and I can certainly see how this relates to my life transition issues. I thank you for holding me in your thoughts when I am not posting.This has been my attempt to check in and let you know how I am doing.
October 20th, 2008 at 11:03 am
Dear Annie,
As always, so glad to hear your voice. Transition is never easy, but it must be overwhelming when you’re transitioning from your vocation, your home, and from the loss of your partner.
While it’s always difficult to know what to say in order to provide succor, I must tell you about two books that I treasure.
“They Way of Transition” by William Bridges, Ph.D. is a wonderful book about how he coped with the lost of his wife to whom he was married for 35 years. And “let Your Life Speak” by Parker J. Palmer is the best book I’ve ever read about vocation, making changes, and dealing with the difficulties it causes.
Warmly,
Susan
October 20th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Susan, Thank you so much for the comments and the names of the 2 books. I made note of them and will find them in the library. It is helpful to read your comments and they are always supportive. Peace, Annie
October 22nd, 2008 at 2:08 am
Its good that you check in. Many of us worry when we dont see posts from those we read regularly. Personally I am not looking for “great literary works”. I just want to know you are ok and whats going on lol
October 24th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
I really am enjoying reading your blog and I do hope you will continue to write. Transitions can be exciting. I wish you well with your endeavors.
October 25th, 2008 at 2:50 am
Glad you are coping well, Annie. May God continue to bless and guide you each day. Thanks for your encouragements. I am still learning to pace myself and rest in God’s strength daily. Take care. May He grant you a restful and refreshing weekend and Lord’s day. Keeping you in my prayers. Hugs.
October 27th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Raine,Glad you stopped by! It is good to hear from you. Annie
Merely Me, Glad to have a new person reading my posts. Do you have a blog? Please let me know if you do. Peace, Annie
Nancie, You are so right, pacing is an important part of life. It seems that you have such a rich and full life connecting with others and sharing words from God. I admire you! Thank you for being there. Annie