Yesterday, during my walk, I met a septuagenarian who was full of warmth and eager to chat. We started talking, and he seemed very happy to share his life journey. He revealed that he lost his wife 15 years ago, just seven days before his retirement. They had so many plans for their retirement, hoping to do all the things they couldn’t while he was busy with responsibilities. They had two sons and made many sacrifices to help them settle in their careers. They never went on vacation or celebrated their togetherness, always putting their family first. But fate had different plans, and his wife passed away before they could live their dreams together. She never got to live the life they had envisioned.
I came back home, reflecting on the stranger I had met. His story felt universal, like it could be any of ours. We often plan so much for the future, neglecting to celebrate the present. We believe it’s our duty to prioritize family responsibilities—thinking of our parents, children, house, and savings. In doing so, we often overlook the importance of cherishing our spouse’s company. This is true for both men and women. We assume that once everything is settled, we’ll enjoy each other’s company, but the future is uncertain. We are all here for a limited time, and none of us knows who will stay with us and who will leave us.
Life is a beautiful journey, and we meet people for a reason. We must cherish every relationship and strive to live life to the fullest. Each day should be lived as if it were our last because we never know when our final day or last meeting with someone will be. Adopting this perspective ensures we live without regrets. Additionally, we won’t harbor negative thoughts about others, leading to a more positive outlook. The less negativity we carry, the more we can enjoy life.
Live your life by collecting memories and moments rather than material possessions. Don’t wait for a grand celebration on your 50th anniversary—celebrate every year. While it’s important to support your children’s upbringing and careers, remember to save for your own later years as well. Strive to balance your children’s needs with those of yourself and your spouse. Avoid spending all your savings on building a dream house after retirement. If possible, build it before retirement; if not, allocate only a quarter of your savings for housing and use the rest to enjoy your retirement. Keep in mind that the house and furniture you painstakingly buy may hold little value for the next generation.
Build a strong social circle and connect with them regularly. Now is the time to do everything you wanted to do while working but never had the time or opportunity for. Pursue your hobbies—try acting, dancing, zumba, salsa, yoga, travel, wear colorful clothes, watch movies, do everything you wished for. Do all the things society often consider older people shouldn’t be doing. You have the right to enjoy your life to the fullest. You’ve achieved so much, and now it’s your turn to live for yourself. You’re not just meant for looking after grandkids, going on pilgrimages, or sitting at home counting your remaining days. Trust me, if you live life the way you truly want to, without worrying about societal norms, you’ll be happier and healthier. Age-related problems are often more mental than physical, and staying active can greatly improve your well-being.
In embracing this new chapter of life, it’s crucial to remember that self-care and personal fulfillment are just as important as any other responsibility. Take time to focus on your physical and mental health through regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and engaging in activities that bring you joy. Seek out new experiences and adventures, whether they are big or small. Travel to places you’ve always dreamed of, take up new hobbies, or simply enjoy the beauty of nature on a daily walk. By prioritizing your own happiness and well-being, you set a positive example for those around you and enrich your own life. Remember, the most valuable legacy you can leave is a life well-lived and a heart full of cherished memories!
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