Retirement Reimagined

Retirement - a term that stirs up a range of emotions.

For some, it's the gateway to those long-awaited golden years, a period filled with relaxation, and new beginnings.

For others, it can be quite intimidating, marking the end of familiar routines, and uncertain futures.

I am retired too.

But I keep finding out there are still so many things to do - and only so much time in which to do them.

I am in a rush.

Not to compete with others but with my own procrastinations and excuses, to find meaning in whatever I do or don’t do in the remaining time I have left.

Kick The Bucket List! 

It seems retirement and the bucket list have become synonymous with one another.

The "Bucket List" movie was a breath of fresh air when released in 2007.

The story about two terminally ill men setting out to complete a list of things they want to do before they "kick the bucket" has triggered similar longings in many although the idea itself is not something new.

15 years later, the term has become overly used and worn out. That is simply my opinion.

What was once original and fresh has now become stale and old hat.

Today, every Tom, Dick, and Harry is quoting it.

Especially when those in their 30s begin championing it, you know it’s become absurd.

Its scope has been narrowed down to travel and exotic locations, and pursuing extravagant activities.

I don’t think that is what the bucket list is all about.

Therefore, by the power entrusted to me by myself, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s time to kick the bucket list!

Evelyn Mandel’s words describe my thoughts as best as possible:

Retirement as Invictus

One of the perks of retirement - is watching TV whenever you want!

Sometime last week, by chance, I happened to catch the trailer for The Invictus Games.

I was gobsmacked.

I didn’t even know such a sports event existed although it was launched almost 10 years ago.

For the uninitiated like me, the Games is an international multi-sport event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans.

They are a celebration of the unconquered spirit that resides within every wounded, injured, or sick armed services personnel and veterans.

I watched them in amazement - competing in wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, indoor rowing, and powerlifting, among others.

"Invictus" means "unconquered" in Latin, symbolizing the resilience and determination of the participating athletes.

That is what retirement should be about - I think.

A celebration of the unconquered spirit that resides within each retired person.

Inspirational, defiant, and with full intent to thrive.

As in the poem “Invictus” composed by William Ernest Henley which you can find here.

Retire From Work - Not From Life

There are plenty of books, guides, programs, etc that deal with retirement in a systematic way that I could never imagine doing.

So, I’m not going there.

Given that I am by all means “retired” myself, I narrowed my thoughts down to 4 essential things:

1. Health & Wellness

• The No. 1 priority. Whatever your plans are, if your health is compromised, then nothing else matters. In the years before retirement, take care of the body. Nurture it. A healthy body is your ally as you grow older.

• If you have somehow neglected it, get down to it now.

• Start a simple exercise regimen.

2. Financial Security

• The 2nd most important item on the table.

• No matter what you think, or what others say, know that money may not be everything but everything is money.

• Ensure you have enough savings to last your lifetime.

3. Build Your Support Network

• Surround yourself with supportive like-minded individuals who share your interests and passions.

• Explore new or reignite your passions and hobbies.

• Build new connections. Take the plunge. You are retired. What can you lose?

4. Grow Old Gracefully

• Research shows that religion, spirituality, and/or belief in the lives of older adults can help them in turn to age positively and live their lives in a fulfilling way.

• Become a mentor to young people.

• Offer leadership and service where you live.

Well, maybe one more thing:

Your retirement goals are your personal agenda.

If there is only one thing that you can do, what is it?

That will be your legacy.

Recommended Viewing

The Invictus Games - How wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women recovering through sports and adventure can inspire the rest of us to fight our own battles.

Recommended Reading

Playing the Enemy: The Game That Made a Nation. How Nelson Mandela used rugby to fuse a fledgling democracy together despite the daunting obstacles South Africa was staring at.

Wrapping Up

Take a leaf from the Invictus Games’ conquering participants.

Retirement is an opportunity to unleash the unconquered spirit that rages within us, ready to embrace the life that lies ahead.

In the words of Jimmy Carter:

“If we have accomplished what we set out to do in our youth, then we need not weep like Alexander the Great that we have no more worlds to conquer.

There is clearly much left to be done, and whatever else we are going to do, we had better get on with it.”

Till next time.

Jude

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