No More Excuses -- you have the time

My husband said the best thing about retirement was that no one programs your time for you. True, but this is a double-edged sword--you now need to find things yourself not merely to fill your time but to realize some goal. Otherwise, you're going to fall victim to the dreaded Anomy and long for work of any kind, like handing out flyers.

I have a friend who was in a perfectly good high level position who wanted to retire and go and paint; she had no period of adjustment.

(Mary Lou Edmondson).

I however had to think long and hard about what I would retire to and look deep into my psyche to find the answer: politics-- good, travel--excellent, but music--best.

This meant going to the piano and practicing regularly--something I had successfully avoided since I stopped piano lessons. The returns, however, turned out to be gratifying--less stiffness in the fingers, an ability to play things I thought I couldn't play again and the option of playing with others.

For those who can find the internal fortitude to pick up the clarinet, piano or heaven help us, the violin, the Amateur Chamber Music Society is for you: www.acmp.net/index.php. You join for $25 and rate yourself from "D" or novice through "A" to "Pro." I remember that  after I had sweated my way through a hard piece the cellist could always be counted on to say "of course you know it really goes twice as fast," so be honest about your own rating. There are home coaching programs and workshops. Or, offer yourself as a host and enjoy chamber music in your living room. Einstein found the time and he was a busy guy.

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