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Being carefree

(68 Posts)
Grannyknot Mon 05-May-14 14:40:13

I wish I could put the word carefree in italics in the subject.

I sometimes think about - even long for - the time in my life when I was absolutely carefree, literally felt as if I didn't have a care in the world.

For me it was when I was around 17 or 18 and had just finished school. I had a good job, was earning enough to give my mother half of my salary and still seemingly have lots to spend, I had a boyfriend who had been my boyfriend since school and my first lover, who completely adored me (I only realised that many, many years later) and we were blissfully happy. Life was about having a ball - beach, dancing, friends, I even liked my job.

Nowadays when I think about "all my cares and woes", I revisit that time in my head and daydream about it.

When was your happy time?

ffinnochio Mon 05-May-14 15:05:22

It's now, gk - and that's not being trite. It really is and I feel v. fortunate.

Both sons and families are well. We live simply and quietly. I have plenty of time to walk, garden, read, take photos, and to develop further interests. Friendships are valued and enjoyed.

I grew up in chaos, so I don't look back with fondness in the slightest. What I have now I fought long and hard for on a persona level, so I don't take it for granted. There are days of sadness, but that's to be expected.

What I most enjoy is time for reflection and to be calm. smile

rosesarered Mon 05-May-14 15:06:15

Well, truly carefree, I think was when I was under the age of 7.Up to that age, I didn't worry about a thing really, even though we were poor.
Not truly carefree but fairly, was being 7 to age 11.After that was never carefree for lots of reasons.

Bellasnana Mon 05-May-14 15:26:38

I honestly don't think I've ever felt truly 'carefree'. I was an anxious child, an extremely troubled and depressed teenager, and I've been a bit of a mess ever since.

My happiest years were when our four children were little, but I still wouldn't describe it as carefree.

KatyK Mon 05-May-14 15:37:49

flowers Bellasnana likewise here. Don't want to bring a lovely titled thread down but I don't think a violent abusive childhood lends itself to carefree. I was at my best Beatle loving days and when my daughter was living at home. As I have become older I am more anxious and 'mithered'. I love to hear about people who are carefree though, it's lovely. smile

Ariadne Mon 05-May-14 15:54:37

Periodically I feel carefree - and so I should, because I am lucky to be in my financial situation (did work my socks off for it!) my health isn't bad (knee progressing well) and dear Theseus is with me. Could go on, and on. I am probably more content than I was when I was working, and certainly calmer.

But getting older brings its own sets of worries, doesn't it? Carpe diem.

Lona Mon 05-May-14 15:57:08

I don't think I've ever been truly carefree for long, but if I have, it's been since I've lived alone.
I don't think I was ever meant to be one of a pair, and although I do have lots of worries and upsets in my life, I feel carefree when I'm at home alone IYSWIM.

merlotgran Mon 05-May-14 16:04:13

Carefree? I suppose it was during our time in Aden when I was 9-12. School finished at lunchtime and every afternoon was spent on the beach or by the pool. We were all crazy about ponies, Enid Blyton, Elvis and anything that provided a bit of adventure. Aden was a trouble spot and there were some dangerous incidents but we trusted our parents to keep us safe.

Riverwalk Mon 05-May-14 16:05:37

What a can of worms you've opened up here Grannyknot smile

I don't think I've ever been 'care-free' but I would say that right now is my best time.

I grew up in poverty, and was aware of it at the time, but 'married well'. I baled-out after 25 years and now some 11 years on here I am 60 this year with two lovely grandchildren, and on good terms with my ex ..... what more could a girl ask for!

Grannyknot Mon 05-May-14 16:15:12

River my MIL would have said you "married up" smile.

Grannyknot Mon 05-May-14 16:16:40

Lona IKEWYM smile. I know exactly what you mean.

annodomini Mon 05-May-14 16:37:26

I feel very carefree when my family take me on holiday with them to France. The younger generation takes charge and I don't have to make a single decision if I don't want to.

ffinnochio Mon 05-May-14 17:22:00

anno smile

Nonu Mon 05-May-14 17:25:29

Granny what a lovely post .

I feel carefree all the time now!

It is a great feeling!

sunshine to you all !

Going soon, as guests will be arriving for Barbie !

KatyK Mon 05-May-14 17:51:07

Love that so many of you are carefree! smile

Nonu Mon 05-May-14 17:57:24

KATY

smile for you

KatyK Mon 05-May-14 17:58:15

Thank you Nonu x

Grannyknot Mon 05-May-14 18:05:14

Ariadne with all carefree times, we should make the most of it.

Grannyknot Mon 05-May-14 18:07:27

Oops pressed send too soon. Carpe diem indeed I meant to add.

I also feel carefree at times now, hopefully that will soon come more when I retire from FTE. In the meanwhile, I felt very carefree last year when husband and I were on Barra. At one point we were completely alone on a vast beach and with the endless sky above, I felt like a tiny, carefree speck. smile

Nelliemoser Mon 05-May-14 18:47:24

Looking at being carefree rather than happy is a hard one to think about. Carefree probably never quite describes me, I usually find something to worry about. There were times, not right now that's for sure.

Actually trying to think about this at present just rather leaves me feeling more miserable about my boring present. Sorry to be a party pooper. Do carry on.

jenn Mon 05-May-14 18:53:10

I think now is my time being carefree; 3 years into retirement and I love it. No deadlines no stress! Luckily, I am healthy and have enough money not to have to worry I also have a horse which is a childhood dream and gives me hours of exercise and company.
I now accept who and what I am . I change the things I can and accept that some things are beyond my control so are not worth worrying about.I live alone and my only son lives in Poland but Skype and Ryanair mean we are in constant contact.
I try very hard to banish guilt and worry as it is so easy to waste the now, feeling bad about the past or dreading the future( doesn't always work!)but life is too short.

janeainsworth Mon 05-May-14 19:03:21

Nellieflowers
I don't think I've ever been carefree, from about the age of 5. I remember waking up from a dream once when I had just started school. I was crying and my mother asked me what was the matter and I said 'I don't know what to write'.
My parents were both teachers and I was constantly worried that I wouldn't be clever enough for them.

But I recognise that I've been very fortunate in my life, I try to enjoy every day and to stop myself worrying about things over which I have no control.
I agree Grannyknot there are moments to savour, when you can feel carefree, usually in my garden or out in the hills somewhere.

Now (64) is a good age I think!

rosesarered Mon 05-May-14 19:23:48

I'm happy with my life at the moment, but being carefree is different to being happy, or content with your lot, isn't it?

janerowena Mon 05-May-14 19:26:00

I don't know if it's because I am the eldest of four and my mother was pretty dreadful, but I can't remember feeling carefree since the day I started school., no, since the age of four, when my mother would shut us all in a room so that she could have a nap and would leave me in charge. Even at the times when my marriages/children are not causing me bother, my mother and sisters are still managing to cause problems.

One of my sisters used to come and stay with me when her children and mine were tiny, for a week, quite frequently. I remember her telling me off sternly for never being able to say NO, then telling me that she had phoned her OH and told him not to bother collecting her, she had decided to stay for another week! I was both speechless and out of food. And clean bedding. I survived, and I am no longer such a doormat, but I do wish I had a thicker skin and could feel carefree. Say NO without feeling guilty for the next six months.

Grannyknot Mon 05-May-14 19:28:46

Yes, roses it sure is.

I didn't mean to be a Pollyanna, flowers to all those who feel they haven't ever experienced it.

I saw this on a bumper sticker once "It's never too late to have a happy childhood".