Midlife Euphoria Day 8

Midlife Euphoria Day 8

Our Retirement Plan

This summer we went to Mashobra, a hill station ten kilometers from the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla. The idea was to get away from the terrible heat of Delhi and also because a couple of our friends have bought cottages in a housing complex there, after retirement. They were persuading us to stay with them and eventually invest in an establishment of our own as a summer get way.

We went there and stayed in a hotel close by. However every day we were in the retreat our friends were staying in. There are 26 units in the complex each within shouting distance from each other. Tucked away in the village, overlooking a valley, away from the hustle bustle of the city, in the midst of an orchard, this place is paradise on earth. Bright sunlight, clear blue skies and stars at night beckon you. The complex is maintained by the staff throughout the year irrespective of whether you are there or not. As a result when you open your house after six months (during winter October-November to March -April most people go down) the place welcomes you with clusters of hydrangeas in mind boggling colours. I have never seen better landscaping with well manicured lawns, lined with incredible clusters of hydrangeas, trees laden with apples creating a breathtaking panorama. This sight itself appeases your mind and restores body equilibrium.
What impressed us most about the place was the liveliness and good spirits of the inhabitants. Not all of them knew each other before occupying the premise but in no time, they were all like buddies. It is proximity coupled with the charm of the place that attributes goodwill in one’s behavior contributing very positively towards general well being.

Most residents are well above sixty. Free from the responsibility of a job and children they are free to spend a couple of months in the tranquility of the hills every summer enhancing the quality of their lives surrounded by beauty and tranquility.

The best way to get around in the area is to walk and the best part is that you don’t have to drag yourself out of bed early in the morning as it is a pleasure walking any time during the day. There is a golf course close by and the golf lovers become temporary members for the season and enjoy the game at their own leisure. There is no problem of traffic, finding time, yanking your self out of bed at an unearthly hour to hit the greens.

Some get together every morning for a game of cards. Rummy, Canasta and Bridge are popular distractions. Lunch gatherings are common and there is always some little celebration going on. People respect each other’s time and serve food at a decent hour unlike the big cities where lunch is not served before evening and the success of a dinner is gauged by how late it is served and how many people got completely smashed. Dinners are infrequent therefore by default everyone sleeps early with a light dinner and wakes up early without an effort. These are the golden rules of a radiant way of life.

Entertainment is disciplined making it possible to party more often. The idea is to be with like minded people and spend time joyfully. It is not a strain on the pocket either, as most of time it is a BYO (Bring Your Own dish and liquor) bash.

Before we came up for the summer break, we had no intention to acquire any property here. But our assessment changed dramatically after spending a few days in the midst of this haven.

Living in a city, one is very comforted to see well-equipped hospitals all around with state of the art medical facilities. This was a concern but it paled away after meting these hale and hearty older people. Our conclusion: A robust lifestyle sans stress and pollution is the best medicine to remain in good physical shape. The rest can be left to God. Besides, one gets to eat fresh organically grown fruit and vegetables throughout the year unlike the cold storage food that one eats in the city. The apples and pears smell different and the plums, peaches and apricots have never tasted better.

Now we are proud owners of a tiny apartment in the same complex and our retirement plan is to spend five to six months in the retreat to rejuvenate ourselves and enjoy the winter in Delhi, getting the best of both worlds. The additional benefit is the comradeship one shares with friends. Also we have the advantage to spend quality time with visiting friends and family.

After setting up house, our endeavor is to spend as much time as possible there. Since our commitment at work does not allow us to spend a lot of time there yet, even a long weekend is a welcome escape and we are tempted to drive up.

I am not a morning person and have always enjoyed sunsets reassuring myself that a sunrise is just the same but a reverse process. The last time we were at Mashobra I happened to open my eyes thinking it was late morning and looked out of my window. The sight that met my eyes was beyond description. The sun was just rising and the colours and aura around was something I had never witnessed before. So much beauty! All the effort I had to make was to just open my eyes. If I can behold this marvel of nature every morning, lying on my bed every morning, I am truly blessed. Now I know the difference between sunset and sunrise. One wakes up with positive vibes and energy and the day follows the same course. A good start is half done! What can be better for the overall well being of an individual?

Now instead of dreading retirement we are looking forward to it with anticipation.

If you get an opportunity to make a dream come true put all your efforts in it to make it happen. Quell your doubts and plunge in, to get the maximum out of your desires. Don’t hesitate and dillydally. Every delay diminishes the realization of your objective.  As Coelho Paulo puts it, ‘When you really want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.’