Talk to retired people and there are many views.
some say that at first retirement can feel like a holiday and the initial phase is often referred to as the ‘honeymoon’ period. You can sleep in, catch up on reading or hobbies, and spend more time with family and friends. However, once this ‘honeymoon’ period wears off, you may feel down or depressed.
There are others who say that in retirement, you can finally start those projects you’ve always dreamed of. Whether it’s travel, leisure, hobbies, or family, the time is finally yours.
There are many who say that before retiring, plan finances well as that is one area which may give you pain as life longivity is not known. So plan amply.
These days there are many youngster who want to accumulate money and retire early. They want to enjoy life.
Are we meaning that work brings no joy and life is meant to enjoy and work is meant to finance that enjoyment?
Do we mean that we retire because we have lived for others and now it is time for ourselves. ?
What does retirement exactly mean. Is it that stage when you have no fixed salary or income from work?
Perhaps our ancient hindu philosophy explains this stage very well. In Hindu life philosophy, it is believed that a man has four stages in life.
while first and second phases are worldly phases, Vanaprastha is the third phase of life and is known as the retired life phase, or as the forest hermit phase. This phase of life occurs around the retirement age of 48 to 72 years old. Another way to determine when the householder has entered the third phase of life is when his children have children of their own, as tradition recommends the man to enter into his period of retirement. The man is “expected to retire from family and social life, give up his work, wealth and possessions, and retreat to the forest as a forest hermit to live a more spiritual life.
It is said that God is an energy and human soul is also an energy. After living a wordly life and after fulfilling all responsibilities, it is time for human soul energy to seek God’s energy and unite with it. It is the time to unite with the your source of life and prepare for next one.
But why retire at all?
Why not begin another innings of life- a life where you are master of your time, a life where you do not run after money, spend more time doings things you wish to, learn new skills( there are plenty in the digital world) , earn money( it is a barometer to measure how much world values your skills), give in charity, contribute as much as you can to the society, join local community service clubs, participate in local issues, share and teach your wisdom, knowledge and skill, take care of your health.
Do not be a burden on earth, make yourself useful. Do not retire – change your directions but keep walking. Do not leave life before life leaves you