No One Said Change Was Easy

By ROBBIN CRACE | VIRGINIA BEACH, RETIRED LIBRARY SUPERVISOR, 53

“Life is a tapestry of changes, large and small.” Well, you can put that sentiment in a greeting card and peddle it to someone else. I have been through several big changes in the last few months. I wanted all of them – but I am still stressed!

I agree with the folks who say change causes stress, but even good stress is still stress. The unknown (even the unknown that we have longed for) is uncharted water.

I loved my job as a library supervisor. Surrounded by books and knowledge, I worked with many wonderful colleagues and customers. But it was still time for a change. I retired after 31 years.

I’m working on changing my need to supervise. My husband and son began making themselves scarce when I started writing daily “to-do” lists. When I moved on to the dog, he quickly let me know who really was the boss in that relationship.

I finally had the breast reduction surgery I had been putting off – my first surgery ever – to relieve back and shoulder pain. Did I mention I am one of the biggest chickens in the universe – I dread needles more than snakes or public speaking. Regardless, it was time for a change.

The fact that I was able to retire at a relatively young age was truly a blessing. My husband and son bought me a beautiful, state- of-the-art computer, and there’s nothing standing between me and my dream of being a writer.

So it’s time to redefine myself – to exercise, make healthful meals and eliminate clutter from my home and life. I have to move from scoring myself on what I accomplished today to asking whether I relaxed long enough to smell those roses.

I think I’ll have another leisurely cup of coffee and take a walk without my back or shoulders hurting. Life’s good.

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