This was quite validating to read. I similarly have found running and meditation to be fkin game changers... totally changing the thoughts in my brain. Thanks
I find it very empowering to know that most of the time I have control over shifting out of a pessimistic mood through exercise and a good playlist like you mentioned - works just about every time!
I think that anxiety is actually what drives much of the “hard work” and “responsibility” that we attribute to (over)savers and (early) retirees. I’ve worked with decamillionaires who spend 1% a year and are still anxious about running out - and also clients who spend 10% of their portfolio against all financial advice without a care in the world. Anxiety definitely is not solved by accumulating more and more - and it keeps many of us from fully enjoying what we have.
What gets me is the line about anxiety reshaping itself. I've noticed this even within a job, fixing one thing and something else fills the space. I think I assumed FIRE was the one fix big enough that there'd be nothing left to fill the void. Probably wishful thinking.
One thing I'll add is not only did the anxiety stick around after retirement, but what surprised me even more is in my logical mind, the stuff stressing me out now shouldn't bother me nearly as much as the stuff that stressed me out during my career. And yet it does. It's like my system reacts the same way to my #1 stressor regardless of the severity.
Also, I really like the three things you called out for stress. I do all three on a daily basis and it absolutely helps. I exercise 1-2 times a day, listen to music everyday (the louder and heavier the better but it's still music🤘), and I use the sauna as my meditation time.
This was quite validating to read. I similarly have found running and meditation to be fkin game changers... totally changing the thoughts in my brain. Thanks
I find it very empowering to know that most of the time I have control over shifting out of a pessimistic mood through exercise and a good playlist like you mentioned - works just about every time!
I think that anxiety is actually what drives much of the “hard work” and “responsibility” that we attribute to (over)savers and (early) retirees. I’ve worked with decamillionaires who spend 1% a year and are still anxious about running out - and also clients who spend 10% of their portfolio against all financial advice without a care in the world. Anxiety definitely is not solved by accumulating more and more - and it keeps many of us from fully enjoying what we have.
Saw your comment and our shared name so I'm just saying hi - there are a lot of us Elizabeth Georges who are writers!
Hiii! 👋 Yes it makes harder to google which at least so far I’ve appreciated in life. :)
What gets me is the line about anxiety reshaping itself. I've noticed this even within a job, fixing one thing and something else fills the space. I think I assumed FIRE was the one fix big enough that there'd be nothing left to fill the void. Probably wishful thinking.
This has been my exact experience.
One thing I'll add is not only did the anxiety stick around after retirement, but what surprised me even more is in my logical mind, the stuff stressing me out now shouldn't bother me nearly as much as the stuff that stressed me out during my career. And yet it does. It's like my system reacts the same way to my #1 stressor regardless of the severity.
Also, I really like the three things you called out for stress. I do all three on a daily basis and it absolutely helps. I exercise 1-2 times a day, listen to music everyday (the louder and heavier the better but it's still music🤘), and I use the sauna as my meditation time.
Thank you for this