The One Question I Hate to Be Asked

Daily writing prompt

What is one question you hate to be asked? Explain.

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Hello, my friends,

I hope this blog finds you in a cheerful mood. Today’s writing prompt presents a fascinating question: “What is one question you hate to be asked? Explain.”

This question instantly brings a flood of thoughts to my mind. There are many questions that people ask with good intentions but they can sometimes feel intrusive and irritating,. However, if I had to pick just one, it would be:

“What do you do all day now that you’re retired?”

Ah, retirement—the golden era of life, filled with relaxation, endless free time, and perhaps a bit of boredom? Wrong!

This question, while seemingly innocent, irks me every time because it carries an assumption that retirement equals a lack of productivity or purpose.

Let me explain why this question frustrates me and why retirement is, in fact, an active and meaningful phase of life.

The Assumption Behind the Question

When people ask me what I do all day, it often implies that life post-retirement is dull or uneventful. It assumes that my days are filled with idleness, perhaps watching TV, waiting for time to pass.

But here’s the truth: Retirement isn’t about slowing down—it’s about rediscovering life with a fresh perspective.

Many retirees, including myself, find joy in passions they never had time for while working. I write, paint, read, travel, and explore creative pursuits that keep me mentally and physically engaged.

This phase of life is not about “doing nothing” but about doing things that truly matter.

A Day in My Life: Busting the Myth

For those who are curious, let me describe a typical day in my so-called “empty schedule.”

• Morning:
  I start with exercise—either a brisk walk, yoga, or kayaking. Fitness is essential at this stage, not just for the body but for the mind.
  
• Mid-Morning:
  I enjoy a healthy breakfast, followed by dedicated hours for my blog, poetry, or painting.
  Writing is my creative sanctuary, a place where I express my thoughts, emotions, and observations.
  
• Afternoon:
  After lunch, I generally engage in my hobbies—reading a book, experimenting with my abstract art, and sometimes learning something new online.
  
• Evening:
  This time is reserved for socializing, family gatherings, and engaging sometimes with indoor games like Table tennis or Badminton and chatting with like-minded friends who share my passion for creativity.
  
• Night:
  Reflection, journaling, and unwinding with some soulful music or a meaningful conversation with a loved one.

Sounds fulfilling, right? So why does society assume that retirement is synonymous with inactivity?

Why This Question Bothers Me

1. It Undermines the Value of Retirement:
   Retirement is not the end of productivity; it’s a shift from earning to exploring life beyond deadlines and job pressures.
   
2. It Reflects a Narrow Definition of Purpose:
   Many people define purpose solely through employment. But can’t purpose be found in creativity, community service, learning, and personal growth?
   
3. It Implies a Lack of Contribution:
   Just because someone is not working a 9-to-5 job does not mean they are not contributing. Retirees volunteer, mentor, support charities, and create art, music, or literature that adds value to society.

Flipping the Perspective

Instead of asking, “What do you do all day?” how about asking:

• “What’s something new you’ve discovered since retirement?”
  
• “What are you passionate about these days?”
  
• “What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done recently?”

These questions shift the focus from assumptions to genuine curiosity, allowing retirees to share their experiences without feeling the need to justify their existence.

It is about having everything you love

So, to those who innocently ask me this dreaded question, I say this: Life doesn’t stop at retirement—it transforms.

Every day is a canvas waiting to be painted, a poem waiting to be written, and a story waiting to unfold.

Retirement is not about having nothing to do; it’s about having everything you love to do, finally on your own terms.

So, the next time you meet someone retired, ask them about their passions, their latest project, or their favorite adventure. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how vibrant and exciting this phase of life truly is!

Now, I turn the question to you—what is the one question you hate to be asked?

BE HAPPY….BE ACTIVE….BE FOCUSED….BE ALIVE…

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