Soft Eyes

My eyes are getting softer. I can feel it.

I know you know what I mean.

In the third act of our lives, in the years of our retirement, or at least our semi-retirement, after the kids are launched, and the career winds down, we have the chance to consciously develop soft eyes.

*We can develop a very deep relationship with ourselves.

*We can hold those few special someones close.

*We can see people through a lens of compassion and acceptance and detachment.

*We can hone in on our truths of what really matters, what makes our hearts sing, and what we believe in with our whole beings.

*We can develop a new and intentional way of experiencing time.

*We can age well.

In the 7 years since I have been semi-retired, I have developed a much more peaceful and kind relationship with myself. I keep forgiving myself for past mistakes and regrets. I have healed a lot of early childhood wounds. Finally I feel at home in my being. I see myself with softer eyes.

My friendships and relationships matter and I put a lot of energy into the handful of people I love so much. I see my people with soft eyes.

I have let go of caring about a lot of things that simply don't matter any more, especially achieving. I have a much more relaxed relationship with what matters to me. I see life with soft eyes (most of the time).

It took me about 4 years to decompress from 40+ years of being chronically over busy. I experience time as something to savor now, and less about something to squeeze every second out of. I no longer schedule myself tightly. I have loosened up on the reins of time. I see time with soft eyes.

I volunteer. I consult. I teach. I facilitate. I take classes. I read. I watch. I write. I garden. I soak. I see live music and art. I hang out and converse. I donate. I dance. I am intimate. I see my days with softer eyes.

My health in most ways is better than its ever been. My hair is longer. My workouts are harder. I walk more. My fatigue is less, so is my physical pain. My aches are gone and my memory is good. My lab results are improved. I try to greet the wrinkles and lines and spots without too much distress. I still have some things to work on but since I have had success healing from several chronic conditions, I feel hopeful. I like my body these days. I see my body with softer eyes.

I am quieter. My life is simpler. My eyes are soft.

Are your eyes becoming soft?