Many of us approach retirement with fear. It seems to be a leap into the unknown, away from the comfort of familiar work, well-known colleagues and undemanding routine. For years life has been predictable, manageable, rewarding: soon it will be unstructured and purposeless. Without preparation and an agenda (see The Three Rules for a Successful Retirement), retirement threatens to be skydiving without a parachute!
But here’s a better analogy for you. An outdoor metaphor. Everyone is familiar with farming as an activity – land is used to produce crops or to pasture animals. The soil is a resource that keeps on giving provided it is replenished with water and fertilisers. In poorer countries with few resources it is necessary to rest land that has been used extensively by leaving it fallow. It is taken out of the production system for a year or more so that its fertility is restored.
Working and raising a family depletes one’s physical and mental resources; retirement is the opportunity to lie fallow and regain energy and enthusiasm. But the agricultural analogy goes much further! When land is left unused indefinitely it gradually returns to the richness of permanent pasture. New grasses and wildflowers establish and thrive. The soil now supports earthworms and insects which in turn attract small animals. Bushes and trees establish and birds and butterflies fly in.
Retirement is not being abandoned and lying fallow; but the opportunity for the growth of new ideas, for tackling new ventures, making new acquaintances and for life to become richer, more exciting and challenging. A time to run barefoot through the meadow, to roll in the sweet grass and smell the flowers!
Renaissance not Retirement 