The dictionary says Retirement is the withdrawal from a position in your active working life.
. . . . you might return from work one day and say, ‘Hi honey, I’m home forever!'
Retirement is actually only a change of focus -- a transition into something else. And it ain't your recliner.
I've spent more than five-decades in the fashion industry and have always said that I would step aside when I lose my passion for the business. I never did! Some might say I have assumed the position of 'The Monkey Out Front' with our company.
However, I prefer to think of my retirement as embarking on a fresh and thrilling new chapter in my life. That's why almost two-years ago, I started this blog to "give back" and 'inspire others' as they have inspired me. I saw it as just another chance to do new things and be a new version of myself.
You are never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream. - C.S. Lewis
But when you are contemplating retiring these might be some of your concerns.
Managing financially on a fixed income
Coping with declining health
Just hanging around with no purpose
When retiring, some may fear the loss of their identity, routine, and goals which also can impact their sense of self-worth. This often leaves them without direction, which may even lead to depression.
Retirement is also a time we can slow down and reflect on some of our major past decisions
such as career choices, relationship choices, health choices and many more.
I think when we were younger our priorities were not clear and we lacked the best motives. Because we didn't have wisdom, we made lots of stupid decisions and mistakes. I was the most guilty! My mom, dad and close friends will attest to that!
After all of my mistakes, God has taught me the value of His forgiveness. And, as the Bible says in Psalms 103:12, 'When God forgives you, He removes your sins as far as the East is from the West.'
In Hebrews 8:12, it gets even better: He forgets our sin . . . . even though we might not forgive ourselves.
Retirement is not the end of the road. It is the beginning of the open highway.
RETIRE FROM WORK, BUT NOT FROM LIFE.
