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Retire beyond work and age

Written by Ashish Marwah

Retirement is that magical word that we all dream of. One imagines oneself lounging on a beach with a cold drink, not a care in the world. Bring on those tender hands giving you the massages. Now, what if I were to nudge you that retiring doesn't have to be just for the end of our working lives? Why do we need to address ‘retire’ only through the ‘old and mature’ lens. On looking up the meaning and synonyms for ‘retire’, I explored some light hearted creative leaps in other aspects of our lives. 


To start with, being human, let us begin with relationships. You know that feeling you get when you've been dating someone for a while, married for decades and you're just not feeling it anymore? That is when it's time to retire that relationship. Hang up your heart, move on and roll up the sleeve to the next one. Probably call your ‘Ex’! After all, there are plenty of Mermaids and Aqua men in the sea. 


Next up, let's talk about hobbies. In the past, you were the crotchet or knitting queen/king, though today you can't stand the sight of a ball of yarn. Well, retire that hobby and find something new. Untangle yourself onto a joy that’s in pursuing something else. We change and so do our interests and diversions . Ah! Feeling sporty? Same goes for sports. You were a star on the soccer field, but you can barely run a mile without wheezing now. Retire that sport and find a new one that gives you joy. You decide what, how and when you play. The time you retire and enjoy others play. 


Moving on to fashion. Maybe you used to love wearing bright colours, bold prints and loud motifs, but have started preferring a more subdued look. It is cool to retire that flashy style and embrace the new you. Same goes for hairstyles. Past the wild, untamed mane, you now prefer a more polished look. Retire that wild hair and embrace the sleek and sophisticated. Balding or thinning, all is good. 


And then there is gluttony. You loved pizza, but off lately you have become lactose intolerant and can't handle the cheese. It's time to retire that food and find a new favourite. Same goes for drinks. Tequila shots were your thing, but now you can't even smell it without feeling queasy and the shites. Retire that drink and find something new that doesn't make you want to puke. Mindful drinking is a possibility. On a quit trip and are surrounded by alcoholic buddies? Retire them. Flush them.


You used to have a tight-knit group of friends, but nowadays find their constant chatter and drama simply exhausting. It's time to retire that friend group and find new people to surround yourself with curiosity. Same goes for toxic friendships. If someone is bringing you down and making you feel miserable, it's time to retire that friend and move on to new connections.


Finally, let us look inwards. In a different time, you used to be a party animal, but now you prefer a quiet night in with a good book. It's fine to retire that wild and crazy side and embrace your inner introvert. We can be childlike without being childish. Same goes for personal goals. Maybe you used to dream of being a famous Rockstar, but are content with a more modest lifestyle. It's time to retire that dream and wake up to what makes you truly happy.


So there we go. Retirement doesn't have to be just for old people and about work. Retiring is a state of mind we can apply to every aspect of our lives, from relationships to fashion to personal goals. If something is no longer bringing us happiness, it's time to retire it and move on to something new. Life is too short after all.  For retiring is not about quitting happiness. It is rewiring your life for joy. So go ahead and retire that thing or job that has been dragging you down. You'll be glad you did. 

 

Published on LinkedIn February 20, 2023



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