Young children spend an exorbitant amount of time thinking and talking about what they want to be when they grow up. The rest of the time, they play. They play with friends, at sports, a musical instrument or engage in a number of the arts. These experiences help to develop them into more complete human beings.
I believe that this continues until the reality of life responsibilities sets in. It is at that point that work consumes much of life… with a small amount of time for relationships and very little for anything else. And for most of life, employment occupies much of your time.
But, what happens when that is no longer a reality? It is no wonder that impending retirement can create a great deal of angst for some.
You begin to ask yourself, “I’m a grown up. Now, what am I going to do?”
Retirement suddenly affords you an abundance of time with an immense amount of possibilities. This can be overwhelming. How do you decide where to focus your time? Do you spend more time with family? Take a class? Exercise more regularly? Play an instrument? Travel? Join a gardening club? Volunteer? Hike? Write that book you’ve always wanted to write?
I believe that much of the angst of retirement can be eliminated by doing a few simple things. Preparation for that special day begins years prior to the actual event. Just like you prepare financially, preparing socially and emotionally is just as important. Taking time to develop one’s interests, hobbies and relationships makes the transition to a freer lifestyle more appealing. Instead of dreading available time, you appreciate the opportunities to engage more fully in a life you have nurtured all along.
Many couples make big plans after retirement only to find that their partner becomes ill or passes away. The many plans that you made dissolve before you and you find yourself all alone.
I can speak to this well because I had the pain of losing my husband 2 1/2 years ago. I am comforted by the thought that during our entire life together, though we worked hard, we also took time to play. We recognized the value of time and were intentional in embracing it fully.
Whether you are 35 or 105, life is too short to work it all away. Don’t wake up one day and find yourself in a sandbox all alone realizing that you’ve forgotten how to play.
Embrace every single moment of your life!
Now, what do you want to do when you grow up?
Carol Marchant Gibbs
Stories Changing Lives