Retirement: Life Version 2.0

It is an unusual situation for the entire world. This lock down imposed in India is new to us. With the vast population of 1.38 billions comprising of a variety of people and unmatched living conditions of climatic, social, religious and political variations prevailing here, it is obvious that nothing implemented may be accepted as same for all. But this lock down has atleast  given a sudden off time in most of our lives. It has given us a time to reponder and take a more simplified life, embracing humanity. This led me to think about the life of a person after retirement from job, a similar circumstance, and that too requires a holistic handling.

Till yesterday, we had our plans and busy life in full rhythm and then the lockdown was announced, stopping us then and there. Similar to retirement, but with a difference that it is known in advance and applies only to you, not the others. In both situations, there prevails uncertainty about everything. Fear of venturing into the unseen and unknown days. And hope. We need new plans. First, to keep the daily basic needs fulfilled. To stay safe and healthy. Then, to keep ourselves occupied. The initial days of retirement, dear old folks, must be having a similar backdrop, isn't it? But just like this lockdown, retirement is not taken in the same spirit by everyone. It too is imposed, whether you like it or not, whether you are prepared for it or not, it's a rule implemented bluntly, for all.

So, have a look around... The life of people during lockdown. And, let me state this clearly here, that, I am not talking about the people influenced with the epidemic closely or hit directly (infected or fighting), whose life is moving on a different note. May God bless them! We are just having this little chit-chat about the majority of people trying to save themselves from the epidemic by "staying indoors" during the lockdown. 

Having said that, let me repeat, have a look around... The life of people during lockdown. Many are bored and cribbing all the time, not knowing how to use their time. Some are happily embracing their favorite pillow and fulfilling their long awaited wish of being a couch potato... Sounds funny, but it's true and far more amazing than complaining endlessly, I believe! Many have taken up hobbies like cooking, gardening, art and craft, fitness regime, diet control, reading, taking up online courses, socializing on internet and what not! But even during this time, many people are bound to take responsibility, due to their nature of work or need based volunteering. So, we see the various aspects of human beings reacting to a given situation. Let us see how closely it matches with the retired life. (Dream On, Dear Soul...🔮 )

Many people, right from the realisation that the day of retirement is approaching, will start feeling old, weak, sick and worthless. Not thinking about how to best use their time, they will crib and feel bored and irritated to such an extent that even the people in vicinity may see the adverse effects, and get scared imagining the plight of such confinement. Contrary to this, retirement to some is like a retreat. A time when one gets an off from the daily job / occupation, and change the focus to things you rather like to do during the vacations. If job was like climbing up the mountain, retirement may mean to look at the beautiful views from there.

After a long time at work, that one may or may not have enjoyed doing, you retire with a satisfaction about the count of years of professional life and countless memories. One may or may not have decided to take up any job offered right after retiring, depending on need, attitude and availability of worthy options. Some really want to relax for a long while and recapture the life spent. One may prioritize to catch up with family and friends. Some take to travelling, exploring various countries and places, while many others take to pilgrimage. Some still feel active for their age, and find themselves busy  finding a new venture that might be interesting, to engage and earn and still deliver to the society. Many take absolute fitness regimes after retirement and get more sporty. There are absolute and countless choices to make.

Be a chooser, pick up a good life. Keep up your spirits, as there is still a long way to go. Retirement is just a comma, not the full stop of life. It's a pause, before you enter another chapter of life. It's also a breathe of fresh air, as you are now free of barriers and judgements. It's your own free will and ample of time. Sleep a lot or keep yourself busy, meditate or play sports, cook or travel, read or gossip, play with grandchildren or join a club, socialize or be at peace all alone, you are free to do whatever you like and keeps you moving ahead joyfully, except setting a bad example of sadly retired category! People do retire from work, but should never retire from life and zest. (Related: Renovate yourself )

Back to the lockdown scenario, with ample of time and freedom to manage it, it's up to us to choose wisely and live joyfully. If you are unable to find time for things you thought you would do to find joy, if you got a break from office or daily routine, you surely lack some will power and discipline, and must not blame time this time. On similar ground, after retirement, in my opinion, one should look for engagement and overall satisfaction on a DAILY basis, not very long term. One may try and find interest in doing new things, exploring your inner self and keep yourself motivated for a healthy and peaceful lifestyle, and live joyfully. It's good to remind ourselves quite often that, its the smallest moments of joy over the years, making our long term memories, of a happy life spent.

Wish you a Happy Retired Life !💐 Also a Happy homestay during lockdown... See you all soon in Life Version 2.0 ... Till then, clear your vision and mend your lives... Tinker Tinker☺️