Daily writing prompt

How do you want to retire?

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Hello dear friends,

I hope this blog finds you in a cheerful mood.

Today’s writing prompt — “How do you want to retire?” — sparked a deep reflection within me. As someone who has already stepped into retirement,

I find it a beautiful moment to pause and look both backward and forward: back at the years of hustle, duty, and ambition, and forward at the unfolding journey of rediscovery and purposeful living.

Retirement is not an end. It’s a transition — a golden bridge between who we were and who we are yet to become.

🌿 The Myth of Retirement

For many, retirement paints an image of slowing down — of rocking chairs, idle afternoons, and long naps. While rest is certainly deserved,

I’ve come to realize that true retirement is not about “doing nothing.” It’s about “doing differently.”

It’s about retiring from stress, routine, and rigidity — not from life, dreams, or passion.

When I was in service, life was about structure — deadlines, meetings, targets, and responsibilities. Those years shaped me, but they didn’t define me.

My identity was linked to my job. But now? Now I define myself.

🎨 A Time to Rediscover

Retirement gave me the greatest gift of all: time.

Time to write.
Time to paint.
Time to dance with my partner in the quiet of our living room.
Time to feel the breeze, not rush against it.
Time to look inwards and ask — What makes me feel alive?

I found joy in words, colours, music, and memories. I began writing poetry, painting abstract thoughts, creating short heartfelt videos, and nurturing my blog — retiredkalam.com. I began living creatively, soulfully, and intentionally.

This second innings became not a fading chapter, but a vibrant beginning.

🌈 Retirement is a Personal Canvas

Each of us carries our own dreams — dreams we postponed for years because life demanded our attention elsewhere.
Retirement is the sacred space where those dreams can take shape.

Ask yourself:

• What did you love as a child?
• What makes your heart beat faster today?
• What do you want to leave behind, not just in memories, but in meaning?

For some, it’s travel. For others, volunteering, writing, gardening, mentoring, learning a new instrument, or even starting a small business.

Retirement is a blank canvas. You can paint it with bold strokes or gentle pastels — the choice is yours.

Embracing the Second Innings of Life

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Relationships Matter More Than Ever

One lesson retirement has taught me is the value of presence — being truly present with those we love.

In the earlier phase of life, we often miss small moments in the chase for bigger goals.

Now, retirement offers a chance to mend, strengthen, and enjoy relationships with our spouse, children, grandchildren, and most importantly, ourselves.

Having tea with my granddaughter while she tells me her little tales is more rewarding than any boardroom achievement I’ve had. These are the moments that nourish the soul.

🧘‍♂️ Health is True Wealth

How do I want to retire?
Healthy. Energetic. Grateful.

Our body is our vessel in this journey. After retirement, we must care for it with respect. Walking, stretching, mindful eating, and regular health check-ups are not just routines — they are rituals of self-love.

Retirement is also a time for mental fitness. I keep my mind sharp by reading, writing, solving puzzles, and engaging in stimulating conversations. A curious mind never retires.

🙏 Giving Back

Retirement is also about legacy, not just in achievements, but in impact.

Can I inspire someone through my words?
Can I guide a youngster with my experience?
Can I brighten someone’s day with a smile, a story, or a helping hand?

When we give, we grow. And we stay relevant. One need not be in a job to be purposeful. Retirement, in fact, is the most meaningful time to serve without expectations.

🌟 So, How Do You Want to Retire?

I wanted to retire not from life, but into life.

Into a life filled with creativity, connection, curiosity, and calm.
A life where the days are not counted by the clock, but by the joy they bring.
A life that honours the past, embraces the present, and welcomes the future with open arms.

To those who are yet to retire, I say: start dreaming now. Retirement is not a pause, but a play — your second act, your best act.

To those who are already retired, I say: begin again. Your story is far from over. Pick up your pen, your brush, your tools — and create.

This is your time. Live it your way.

With gratitude and joy,
Vijay Verma
retiredkalam.com

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Tags: #Life, #mental health, books, dailyprompt, dailyprompt-1971, featured, writing