Since retiring in June, I’ve had a few days (not many, thankfully) where I have nothing planned, which for me, can be unsettling. My life has been so full that rather than looking for something to keep myself busy, I’ve wondered how I’ll ever do everything I want to do.
This morning, as on other mornings since retirement, the saying, “the world is my oyster” came to mind. I wondered where that idiom came from and what it means.
I found some interesting information HERE. Apparently, the saying is thought to be derived from William Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor and dates back to 1602. I’ll leave the details in the link, because honestly, I don’t find the derivation as interesting as the interpretation of what the saying means.
I love oysters (especially on the half-shell), but would I really want “my world to be an oyster?” I mean, they’re small, smelly and slimy. They’re also immobile and I want to go places! I can think of other things I’d rather represent my life than an oyster: a diamond (in the rough?), an hourglass (time waits for no one!), or even a chocolate milkshake (enjoy every slurp!)
That is, until I read one interpretation:
The reason oysters are used to represent this opportunistic sentiment is that oysters are a form of mollusk that can naturally form pearls. As a result, you might find something valuable when you open an oyster. Therefore, it’s an apt metaphor for this sense of opportunity.
An oyster represents the opportunity to find “pearls!” I love that. I’ve already found many pearls since retiring:
- I joined a gym and work out regularly with friends.
- I’ve deepened friendships because I have more time to spend with friends
- Though I hope to become more disciplined and focused on my writing, I’m writing more regularly and have learned a lot about myself as I’ve worked on my memoir.
- I’ve discovered a writing community called Literary Cleveland, which I’m becoming more involved in with classes and volunteering.
- I’ve found other opportunities to volunteer with social organizations. I’m also excited to be a poll worker this November!
In the past, I’ve been a person who needs structure to keep me disciplined. Not having structure has probably been the biggest adjustment for me since retiring, like being Jell-O without a mold.
But in the risk inherent in removing what had once held me, I’ve found many pearls. And . . .
There are so many more pearls yet to be discovered!
Good for you, Jan. I enjoyed your dive (😉) into the world-as-your-oyster saying as well as reading how you’ve found find your place where you are. I have confidence that your life will get even richer.
Thank you, Janet! 🙂
A few months ago, I started a part-time job at Life Styles (an agency that works with developmentally disabled persons). In my role as Job Coach, I visit the places of employment and encourage and support our clients in whatever way they might need help. Usually, it doesn’t involve a whole lot as most have done their jobs for quite a while and are proficient at their tasks. One young lady I work with is highly functional but still living with her parents at age 31. Both her and her parents would like to see her become more independent and establish friendships with people her own age. We are working on overcoming her fears, setting goals, and moving toward the life she will need to be prepared for when her parents are no longer there.
The job is interesting, trying at times, and gratifying in some ways. I’m not sure who gets more out of my involvement, the clients or me. 🙂
Russell, you are perfect for such a job. Your warmth, compassion and sense of humor must be very appreciated by your clients. I think that sometimes, it’s the most trying tasks that are also the most gratifying!