ou’ve done it. You are officially retired.
As a dear friend just wrote me about it,
“I am now retired, which has very
pleasant moments of having no time restraints,
plus the reality of CHANGE that happens so
rapidly.” There are many sayings that urge you
to not dwell on those things that cannot be changed, but we all
know that is easier said than done. Death can happen at anytime
to anyone. Young or old. It is an inevitability that takes a certain
amount of courage and depth to accept and even welcome... but
you aren’t dead yet!
A Bucket List... Do you have one? Do you want one? Will seeing
the Leaning Tower of Pisa before you pass on really going to
bring you happiness? Not that you shouldn’t see it if you have
the means, but, if you don’t, why obsess? It seems one of the
most important things people leave off bucket lists is spending as
much time as possible (or you
can stand) with your family and
friends. Especially friends. It
does seem like you have all the
time in the world some days,
but we don’t. You don’t and they
don’t. Time is also something
that cannot be changed, but do
make the most of it!
Now that you
are no longer
building a career,
you can now put
your family and
friends at the top
of your list. Time is now, indeed,
short. It’s time to let go of past
insults and angers and forge new, more fulfilling relationships
with those you love. And it’s time to give a little to your com-
munity as well. Always wanted to garden, but for one reason or
another are not able to? Volunteer at local community gardens or
get together with like minded folk to start one.
And please pass on your experiences and life in stories. If a Veteran,
artist, musician, historian, scientist, etc. volunteer to speak to public
school classes and local organizations. And for those who don’t
want to leave their careers behind,
completely there is a whole new
world of learning and mentor-
ing online. Life is not done just
because you have retired. Enjoy
yourself. Enjoy time with few
restraints now. And above all fill
your days with the love of family
and friends.
Y
Installment 3
LIFE AFTER RETIREMENT
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Women Matters
“Retire from work,
but not from life.”
M.K. Soni
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