The prompt word for today’s JusJoJan is ‘Pastime“ and it comes from Di at pensitivity101

A pastime is something you do that is enjoyable and helps to pass the time pleasantly. This I guess is opposed to something we do that is necessary for earning a living, duty, or survival. We actually spend more time doing things we have to do rather than doing something for pleasure but that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy those tasks that are so essential in our everyday lives. 

To live we have to eat and to eat somebody has to cook. Isn’t it strange that when you have to do something you tend to enjoy it less? When it is a chore that simply has to be done we tend to dislike it. Now that the pressure is off, cooking has become more of a pastime than a chore. Admittedly I am lucky enough to have a husband who also enjoys cooking and now that we’re retired we argue about who is going to have the pleasure of cooking the evening meal! 

“Don’t worry, Darling.” I’ll say, ”I’ll cook tonight.” 

“Oh no, you won’t. I’m sure it’s my turn and I really want to try this new recipe!” will come the reply.

Isn’t life tough!

Then on the other hand pastimes that gave pleasure no longer do because of the limitations of old age. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. One remembers enjoying a long hike up a mountain but despite the enthusiasm, keeping up with the younger members of the family is a challenge and not quite as enjoyable as ten years ago! Hubby still thinks he can go out ski-boat fishing, a lifetime passion but although he goes from time to time the recovery time afterward makes it less enjoyable.

The trick, now, is to find a pastime that is enjoyable and does not strain the old body. Or rather to still do those things from the past at a slower pace! 

These days my favourite pastimes are, learning Italian on Duo Lingo, blogging, reading, listening to podcasts, and gentle exercise like walking and yoga. I also like playing word and number games on my phone. Hubby says it’s a total waste of time but I believe such games keep the brain functioning! 

I find that the wonderful thing about being retired is that there is nothing that needs to be done urgently. There is no rush so everything one does whether it is an essential task or a hobby is a pleasure. Things I used to dislike doing when the pressure was on is no longer a hassle. I like cleaning my house. I like pottering in the garden – although I won’t do anything back-breaking – I have a gardener for that. I like going out to do the shopping in an unrushed manner. Thinking back to the days of having a full-time career, running a household, taking care of my husband and kids, and still finding time for socialising, exercise, and hobbies, I wonder how I coped. But of course I did and I loved my life. I certainly love it still and am grateful for those active, busy days but there’s no wish to go back as my relaxed lifestyle now is just as enjoyable.

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1.

The above verse is basically saying that everything is temporary and things are constantly changing, so we should therefore, move with the times, adapt and adjust to every situation, live one moment at a time, and choose to be happy doing what needs to be done as well as the chosen, amusing pastimes.