Leniency: A Lesson from Retirement

Dear friends, today I’d like to share a tale from my past, a story that taught me the value of leniency. It’s a lesson I learned during my retirement, a time when life slows down and gives you the opportunity to reflect and grow.

The Story Begins

It was the first year of my retirement. I had spent decades working tirelessly, always striving for perfection. The day I retired, I thought I would finally have the time to do everything exactly as I wanted. I was wrong.

The Lesson of the Garden

One of my retirement dreams was to cultivate a beautiful garden. I had always been strict about order and precision, and I applied the same principles to my garden. I planned every detail meticulously, from the placement of each plant to the schedule for watering and pruning.

However, nature had other plans. Despite my best efforts, the plants grew in their own way, some flourishing, others wilting, and some sprouting in places I hadn’t planned. I was frustrated and disappointed. I had done everything ‘right’, yet the results were not as I expected.

Embracing Leniency

One day, my old friend Joe, a seasoned gardener, visited me. He saw my frustration and said, “Kev, you’re trying to control nature, but nature has its own rhythm. You need to be lenient, let it do its thing.”

His words struck a chord. I realized I had been rigid in my approach, not just with the garden, but with life in general. I had always strived for perfection, but in doing so, I had missed the beauty of unpredictability, the joy of spontaneity.

The Outcome

I decided to heed Joe’s advice. I became more lenient with my garden, allowing it to grow naturally. The result was a garden more beautiful than I could have ever planned. It was wild, unpredictable, and perfect in its own way.

Final Thoughts

Leniency, my friends, is not about being lax or careless. It’s about understanding that not everything can or should be controlled. It’s about giving room for growth, for change, for life to happen. It’s a lesson I learned in retirement, but it’s applicable at any stage of life.

So, whether you’re planning a garden or navigating life, remember to be lenient. Allow room for the unexpected. You might be surprised at the beauty that unfolds.

Until next time,

Kev