Simone de Bovoa: "Old age is not the end of life, it is an art." This sentence profoundly reveals that retirement is not only the end of a career, but also the beginning of a new chapter in life.
At this stage, people begin to explore the meaning of life more deeply and appreciate the so-called "six distinctions", the six transformations that can be achieved in life, which are essential for the pursuit of inner peace and happiness.
After retirement, we are relieved from the hustle and bustle of day after day and have more time to enjoy the tranquility of life. At this stage, we learn to slow down and appreciate the beauty around us. In busy times, we may be looking for success and fame, but now, we are looking for peace and contentment. In this transformation, we have not only learned to appreciate the small blessings in life, but also to cherish the time we spend with family and friends.
As we grow older, we come to realize that true happiness is not entirely about material accumulation. After retirement, we began to explore more about spiritual fulfillment – whether it's through reading, traveling, or taking up a hobby. We begin to understand that the quality of life depends not only on what we have, but more importantly on who we are and whether our life is meaningful.
Retirement is also a shift from dependency to self-reliance. In our careers, we may rely on the identity and social status that our work affords. After retirement, we learn to identify ourselves and find new purpose and meaning in life. This shift has made us more confident that we are no longer tied to our professional achievements alone.
Growing older tends to lead to fixed mindsets, but retirement gives us the opportunity to change. We begin to embrace new perspectives and try new things. This open-mindedness not only enriches our lives, but also keeps us young and energetic.
After retirement, we have more time to be alone, which is a valuable time for self-reflection and growth. At the same time, this stage also makes us realize the importance of socializing. We're starting to value the connection with old friends more and are happy to make new ones. This balance makes our lives more fulfilling and healthier.
Finally, retirement teaches us to free ourselves from worries and accept the uncertainty and impermanence of life. We have learned to let go of excessive worries about the future, live in the present, and cherish what is in front of us. This change in mindset is the key to inner peace and happiness.
Life after retirement doesn't stand still. Rather, it is a fresh beginning, a stage of deep self-exploration, personal growth, and the search for the true meaning of life. By realizing the "six farewells", we can not only achieve a more fulfilling and satisfying life, but also bloom with a different brilliance in our later years.