When I retired three years ago, I thought it inconceivable that I would ever be as busy as I was when I was employed. After all, I spent 50+ hours a week at work and was a mom, a wife and a homeowner in my spare time. That was being busy.

I admit that it takes me longer to do things now, but I have committed to so many things that it’s hard to keep track of them all. I have my paid work, my volunteer work, my classes, my husband and even though they are long gone from home, I spend a fair amount of mental energy on our kids and grandkids.

When the non-profit that I do volunteer consulting for asked me to take on another coaching client last week, I was tempted. There is nothing I like better than helping a young person navigate the bumps in his or her career path.

I thought for a minute about how much I have on my plate, and about how I have been feeling over-extended and a bit anxious.

I said “no”.

It was the right thing to do. But it wasn’t easy.