I could remember a time when I told my friends that I want to retire at the age of forty five years old, I was not this mature then and anytime I remember that moment I always smile because over here, I think retirement only works fine for those who are very rich and have a political appointment because most people who have retired that I have seen, retirement is not looking well and them because they payments of pension usually takes very long before they receive it and some of them might even die before their pensions is being finally paid. But let me reverse the case here and imagine I am being placed on a good pension today. I think the first thing I would do is to give myself enough space to clear my mind from stress and get a proper rest that I need without any disturbance..
Just like I was telling one of my friends this morning, my body has been programmed to wake up very early, and that has become part of me. But I know during those first few weeks, I will condition my body to wake up when I find it very convenient to do so. I'm not much of a breakfast person, but I would also condition myself to start eating early and engage in some morning exercises that will help me keep fit. I will stop doing things in a hurry. I will keep myself away from any form of disturbance or distraction, away from my phone or laptop till further notice, no urgent calls, and no fast replying to mails and messages. Just by myself, having a serene life.
But as time goes on, I start feeling the boredom because I know myself; even though I like staying alone, I also love going out too at some point, and that is why I cannot stay put forever. And that is why I would like to invite some friends over for a couple of days, throw them a party, prepare pancakes for them every morning, and allow everyone to prepare the dish they know how to prepare best with no competition in mind, just fun and happiness. I will not totally isolate myself, and that is why I will have some livestock at the back of my house where I take care of them.
I will also be going to the city once in a while to see the city life, get some things for myself, and say hello to two or three of my friends while I drive back home listening to some interesting afro beat musics.
And of course, I will not forsake the assembly of God's people. I will always draw closer to God by going to fellowship regularly because what is sweeter than being in the presence of God.
To stay alive inside, I will also have to put the young people on by teaching them what I know, teaching them about online work, introducing them to the Hive community, and sharing my stories, both my successes and mistakes, and I am sure that will keep me active because I have seen how some retired people went from being active to falling sick because they stayed immobile. Because I retired will not mean that the end has come for me, because even though the money might not be coming as before, I will make sure I remain useful to those around me.
Thank you for reading.
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