Oddbean

@efa7d71c I also retired early and have a vast amount of time for writing, but for managing my health, which is the best it's been since before I retired. You're right, it's amazing what it does for a person's outlook and forward thinking.

@7b682b86 Definitely the best thing I've done for many a year! Feel so much better for it. Had the luxury of taking a few months off between jobs back in 2016, which was when I wrote my first novel. Realised I no longer enjoyed my career once back, but wanted to write instead. Led to a bout of depression, a marriage break-up, and the admission it was time to do something different. Made it a present to myself when I resigned on my birthday! Never too old to change for the better.

@efa7d71c Your last line should be on banners everywhere. Yes! I even started hiking this year. Resigning on your birthday...I love that! Sorry you had to go through the marriage breakup. Adapting to life alone is its own challenge—I know. The toll a job can take on someone mentally is underestimated. I'm well acquainted with depression, but have found ways to move on, like hiking, walking, and more. I hope that you have too. 😃

@7b682b86 I think when it's a relationship that isn’t working, adapting to life alone is much easier – like the proverbial weight being lifted. Much happier after. Anyway, I got custody of the cats! Used to walk at least an hour every day after giving up work. Definitely a great help. Got out of the habit when I twisted my knee a couple of years ago. Must start again, my waistline needs the exercise! In a nice area of the country now, so no excuse.

@efa7d71c I understand, too, what you mean about relationships that aren't working. Fortunately, the cats recognized which relationship they thought was working. 😆 Be careful with that knee. Take it slow. Your body will thank you both mentally and physically. I also started yoga during lockdown in 2020 and still do it every day. Though I live in a small city, I'm fortunate that I have a walking path outside my door and nature but a short distance away. https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/111/165/788/719/432/608/original/7a6c8b1e771943a9.png

@7b682b86 Sorry to hear you've been through it too. Glad you've got through it too. Knee's pretty good now. Ironically, I twisted it trying to get out of bed without disturbing the cats lying atop me! Looks lovely where you are. I live in a small rural town now. Need a short drive for the nicest walks, but only 15 minutes from lots of neolithic stuff like Avebury. My favourite place is up a hill to a 5,000-year-old long barrow you can climb over and go inside. https://media.mas.to/masto-public/media_attachments/files/111/165/857/480/425/222/original/2314a313aa1b3590.jpeg

@efa7d71c I love that about the cats and your knee. Typical! 😆 Oh my gosh, standing stones! I go crazy about those (they appear in my series). The countryside there is astonishing beautiful, so peaceful. I can see why you moved there. The opportunity to explore such places would be more than worth the drive. I love history. It's easy to see where you've made some excellent choices for yourself (knee injury aside 😃).