Midlife Euphoria Day 5

Midlife Euphoria Day 5

 Visualize, Formulate and redefine the Second Half of Your Life!

Retirement at 58 or now at 60 is a time to reinvent yourself. The best years are not behind but are ahead. Now you have the luxury to do all the things you never had time to do. I know a lot of people who after retirement are occupied in vocations that provide them with satisfaction, mental stimulation and offer financially security. They have learnt to recreate their job or career and discover how to integrate work into their lifestyle.
This does not mean that your previous occupation holds no value. In fact the new career can stem from it. One can be a consultant in one’s field of expertise or use one’s administrative skills in setting up a new establishment or an NGO. If money is not a priority you can give back to society by involving yourself in the numerous social causes that need consideration.
If your calling is towards theatre or the performing arts this is the time to skip into it. Learning to play an instrument can be extremely rewarding and enjoyable. If you are good with words or numbers you can take up solving Soduku (a number puzzle) or cross word puzzles. Learning any skill keeps the brain effective, impeding the onset of Alzheimer's Disease.
Now is the time to seize the midlife moment and make new choices related to health. There is no reason why you cannot take the early morning or late evening walk that you have desired to take regularly, join a gymnasium, sleep early, eat right. In short lead a  life that not only re energizes you but is beneficial anddoes wonders for your health. You have the time and the means at your disposal.

An uncle of ours retired as the Chairman of UNESCO. His life was a whirl of hectic work schedules, travel and social obligations. The family was a bit apprehensive about his retirement particularly since he was a bachelor.
Their concern was unfounded as he surprised us by occupying himself most conscientiously in writing poetry. No one knew about this covert talent of his and probably he himself had never had the time or opportunity to explore this facet of his persona. He ended up publishing several books.
He never stopped amazing us. At age 70 he tried his tryst with the paint brush and before we knew he was painting canvasses. Earlier it was meant as a hobby and he would generously gift his paintings to family and friends. But he worked at his new found flair and held successful exhibitions in the art circle.

Keeping his example in mind one can say retirement is an opportunity for a new, exciting chapter in life rather than a time to rest and relax. A lot of people say they would like to work in an entirely different field in retirement but lack the conviction or drive to take it forward. One should be optimistic about the future, making positive changes for themselves and the world around them.