Chance of a second life? What would you do?

downshifter

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time and trouble to respond to this, and yes, hi Ilona, aka Meanqueen, I came across your story on the Downthelane forum and have hankered after a similar free lifestyle - now's my chance. I have done some sitting around quietly and thinking, but don't really know what I like doing to be honest. I don't have hobbies and the conclusion I have drawn is that I am basically a lazy glutton. I haven't lazed around in front of the telly with chocolates and wine for a very very long time until just a few days ago and boy, could I get used to that!!

In my teenage years all I remember wanting to do was marry Paul McCartney, and I don't want him now, (I'm only 63 and he's an old man, but I didn't see that at the time!)so that puts paid to teenage dreams. I loved being a mother, having an allotment and getting my degree along with a subsequent engrossing career but don't want to go back. Certainly don't want another husband, I wasn't an easy wife to live with!!!!! I have found a recent interest in off-grid self-sufficiency and have been doing some reading around that. There are a couple of talks coming up at the WEA that I shall go to on local history, albeit in evenings but they are one-offs so I'm looking forward to that. Unfortunately since people have been aware that I now have more time I have been asked to help with things, both voluntarily and extra hours at work. Maybe something I should practise is to say no!!

Anyway, thanks for the ideas, my second life is still a work in progress but I want to be sure I don't drift through it - I definitely need a proper plan!!

DS

missile

Even a bad plan is better than no plan

Ilona

Hi Downshifter, I was in love with Paul as well, not so sure now. If I'm going to cop off with a bloke he's got to be younger than me, with all his own teeth, (implants accepted), and a full head of hair. :rotfl:

It's best to have some sort of plan, you might have another 30 odd years left, it would be an awful waste if you slobbed out in front of the tele for that length of time. In fact, I would suggest you get rid of the tele. Maybe try a new hobby, preferably one that gets you out and about. If you like animals and have a dog rescue centre nearby, you could volunteer for that.
Good luck whatever you choose.
Ilona

Murphybear

You get out of U3A as much or as little as you want. I was only 56 when I joined but never felt it was a problem. I learnt some new skills such as croquet and Mah Jong and have met loads of lovely people.

hendricksgin

what is U3A never heard of it

cupcake4

University of the Third Age - led by peers

LilacLillie

I wish you well in your new life, happy to hear you are looking forward to the new future you have. It really is a second chance, a gift to yourself.
I also agree with U3A
LL

[Deleted User]

I am a U3A -er and love every minute of it You can join in as much or as little as you like I help run the local pub quiz team amongst other things, along with my knitting blankets for the third world children reading, history group,book club ,genealogy, and looking after 4 DGs after school (well three at the moment as the eldest recently went off to Uni.There are just not enough hours in the day for me and I retired 19 years ago.:):):)

whitesatin

I am not much of a joiner either. I make myself join something but never feel that I fit in. I have considered U3A but the only thing I was interested in (Conversational French) was full in the area and the email I received wasn't the friendliest or the most encouraging so I didn't enquire further. I joined a club that has been on the go locally for nearly fifty years. To be honest, I find it boring and feel too young, at 63, to be doing what they do. I am lucky in that I can be in London in an hour by bus (free now) so intend to do the tourist thing with my husband. He lived in London all his life and I have lived around the area for 40 plus years but too busy working to explore much. I intend to get Groupon type vouchers and eat in as many restaurants as I can, lol.

StevieJ

Try Meetup, seems to be something for everyone and all over the world. I know someone who has joined a meet up in Australia because she is going there on holiday alone. She is now booked on excursions with the locals. Plenty of different groups that are local as well e.g. music, culture, over 50, languages or just local people meeting up for a coffee.
http://www.meetup.com/