Sunday, May 31, 2015

I've Decided Not to Retire

"So, you're just going to sit around and watch TV?" I was asked when I said I was retiring.

Those words or variations of them led me to believe I am inaccurately representing my plan. People are getting the wrong idea, or maybe they've allowed themselves to fall into the wrong paradigm.

"Yes, I'm retiring at the end of May from my position at Maharishi School as news writer and social media support" was the beginning of my last blog post. I realize now I should have used the word leaving instead of retiring. Much more accurate.

I plan to still write--to pursue contract work and tutoring--and also to spend much more time on my own writing projects. That's not retiring if the word conjures images that lack self-directed purpose.

So, I'm not retiring. This is my formal announcement.

I'm not going to retire if retirement implies inactivity, infirmity, and indecision. I am not over the hill or past my prime, nor have I outlived my usefulness or live in a world that is going too fast for me. No, I'm going into business for myself, or maybe going into the business of my Self. I'll do what I like and like what I do. I'm on my bicycle, and the open road is before me.

The thing is, this world is a wonderful place, and I am surrounded by wonderful people. I'm going to spend more time enjoying myself--and much of that time will be centered around the jobs or tasks I have assigned myself.

Consider it recreation as I re-create my daily schedule. I plan to be the chef, the restaurant owner, and the hungry gourmet; and I'll be dishing up all the achievement and fulfillment this table will hold. Tuck in, trencherman!

Copyright 2015 by Thomas L. Kepler, all rights reserved

2 comments:

  1. I view retirement as the opportunity to do some of the things I didn't have time for when I had to work for a paycheck. Like writing.

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    1. Exactly, Yvonne! It was a surprise to realize that some people saw retirement as an end to productivity and usefulness. Such a limited perspective!

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