I read Euna Kwon Brossman’s wonderful and honest article on her oncoming retirement, empty nest, etc., in the February 5 issue of the News. I can understand the apprehension, self-doubt, and also the pensive expectations of the (near) future.
I retired much earlier than my college friends more than 11 years back. We were already empty nesters for several years and had already “downsized” to a “full service” home (have not mowed the lawn, or actually done any “regular” home work for almost 20 years now). Therefore, the adjustment to “retirement” was not very difficult, traumatic, or anything like that.
The last time I had an “option” to call my time my own which was not “owned” by my employer, house, family, etc., was, way back, in college (of course there was this little inconvenience here — attending classes, classwork). If nothing intrudes, like care of parents, grandkids, etc., you will once again, finally, have “time to call your own.” Many who have NOT retired are more concerned about this than even their final departure.
Your happiness and enjoyable “later years” is all in your mind. You will once again have the option to do as you want, with your time and your resources only. With God’s grace of a healthy life there is simply no reason why your later years cannot be your best years.
Just don’t delay your “travel urges” to remote and exotic areas of the world, as your body fights back, more and more, at every small blow your mind delivers to meet its expectations.
Ajay Goyal
West Windsor
