I was talking to a friend today about the practice of living in the present. We were lamenting American’s attachment to control and specific outcomes, as opposed to the practice of living with clear intentions based on our deepest values and commitments with a resounding yes to the naturally unfolding path of what is. I’ve often wondered about “retirement” and what exactly that means to most Americans. Does it mean we stop being actively engaged in our life’s work? Does it mean our values shift? Does it mean that we’ve finally arrived and can now enjoy life?
Those possible interpretations of retirement don’t resonate with me at all. I know I’ll always have many projects that I’ll be involved in, some of which I will receive compensation in dollars for, others of which I won’t, but all of which are a reflection of what I’m up to in this life. Today a new definition of retirement came to me; no longer living a job-centric life.
As soon as this definition occurred to me, I declared,”I’m retired”. I realized in that moment that I had retired several years ago, but that I just hadn’t claimed it yet. Interestingly enough, it was soon after I retired that I took my first regular “job” after 7 years of coaching full time, which is the part time position I currently have as a Case Manager at the Santa Cruz AIDS Project where I support clients and have implemented and am running a Wellness Program.
Are you ready for retirement? Go ahead, claim it! What would shift in your life today if you gave yourself permission to let go of some of your job-centric thinking and simply committed yourself to being engaged in the work that is most important to you? It could be the best career move you ever make!
love,
Todd.
