A TIME TO RELAX, REFLECT, AND DO THE THINGS YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO DO

Retirement is a new phase of life, an opportunity given to us to become a beginner again. It is not a static event; it is a multi directional process that can take many years. Age is only a number, a cipher for the records. A man can not retire his experience. The priorities in life keep on changing and it is different for each individual. That holds good for your retirement life also. Retirement does not refer to retirement from life. It is spending more time for you and with your loved ones and engaging in activities that are more relaxing to mind.

The things which we wanted to do but never got done and which were buried in the depth of the heart and mind, due to work pressures and time constraints, suddenly seem to be within reach. We seem to register in our minds the everyday activities, the people, and the scenery around us, which escaped our eyes in the busy working schedule.

Retirement comes to us at the age and stage when we have already been tested, taken some knocks, some disappointments, made achievements, earned praises and brickbats. We have already seen sadness and happiness and most of us have learned that we should not be overblown by happiness or sadness. Only if you've been in the deepest valley can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain.

We must plan in a way that we want to take retirement rather than feel as if it's taking us by surprise. Maybe even seize it joyously. Retirement is the last opportunity for individuals to reinvent themselves, let go of the past, and find peace and happiness within.

We have witnessed a whole succession of technological revolutions. But none of them has done away with the need for character in the individual or the ability to think. We need the presence and time of the experienced family members around us to instill these qualities in the younger generation. Retirement can and will be a glorious time in your life. You'll love the freedom and ability to try new things and in shaping the youth in your family.