I’m in my 40s and am on disability pension due to a schizophrenia diagnosis and congestive heart failure that took most of my mobility. I guess you could say I was forced into early retirement.
I found the trick to staying happy for me was intentionally forcing myself to stay active. Even when I don’t want to be physically active, I force myself to be mentally active. It’s why I write almost every day.
It’s why I read books that challenge the world view I grew up with. Many of the classics of literature and philosophy and other religions outside my Christian upbringing? I read many of those just in the last 20 years.
Taught myself how the stock market and cryptos work. Wish Robinhood was a thing 15 years ago. Better late than never for sure. Still thinking about teaching myself Ancient Latin and Greek.
Yes, I am one of those history loving pricks who enjoys ancient history too much to be healthy. Yes, I think about Ancient Rome every day. But I sure wouldn’t want to build a time machine and move back to the First Century AD. Like I said, I read too much history to actually be nostalgic about everyday life back then.
I failed to teach myself calculus several years ago but will probably pick it back up in a few years. I probably spend 60 to 80 hours per week reading books, writing blogs and essays, watching educational channels on YouTube, corresponding with writer friends here on Medium, etc. Have been doing this every week without fail for over 12 years. Just because I’m on disability pension doesn’t mean I drink beer and watch porn every day.
A Life Of Mental Illness 
It is always good to keep our minds active, I too am on disability, so I can relate!
Hi Zach,
Love your brain! Wish I were so driven. Back in my youth, I loved ancient history. I go to bookclub at the library sometime. Right now we are reading âTailspin.â Itâs about WWII and one manâs journey. His plane was shot down and in lived in spite of being shot in both arms, a skull fracture and falling an amazingly long distance in the tail of the plane. Iâm only to the part where he is in a German POW camp, having been operated on by two Serb physicians that were also POWs. One person, Walter Reid, was from Broken Bow. It is an amazing story, particularly reading such during a time when we all seem bent on killing each other, especially tragic. Written by John Armbruster, a teacher turned author.
Itâs been dreary here all day, but the promised moisture has yet to show up. Hope all is well with you. Say hi to your folks for me; have always loved the people they are!
Thanks for your works!
Patsy