Retirement: what depression?

by Romina
(Toronto, Canada)

I "retired" a lot sooner than my retirement age.

All of a sudden I did not have my money to spend as I liked. Tough, we cannot have too many good things. Then there was a question, why was I working in the first place?

To buy clothes, perfumes, make-up, have my hair fixed professionally, in other words, I worked to look good at work. Now, I do not look as good as I did when I was working, but by George, I enjoy the chirping of the birds, the playing of he squirrels, and smelling my roses in the garden, the sound of my fountain.

Depression and retirement are two completely different things. Depression is a severe and long disease and it may not show up after retirement at all, we may seem a little sadder, maybe a bit bored, but not depressed.

Learning to enjoy the little things that life offers you is a success, being calm and serene is something that money will not buy you.

Harmony within ourselves cannot be bought.

I really enjoy my retirement, you can do it as well. Honest!!!

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Hooray you are so right
by: Rose Raintree Arlington Wa.

All you have said and more is true and I am so happy I retired almost 4 years ago now and like you I may not look as good as I did when I was working, but I not only don't need to I don't want to and am happier retired than I ever was working even with less money, as the things that really matter still do and now I know them and embrace them where during my years of working didn't have time or energy to see them much less enjoy them. Life is full if you know what it is about life that is most important and it isn't in the money and more things.

Retirement: what depression?
by: Anonymous

Hi,
Thank you very much for those kind words. I feel better now. I sometimes feel depressed being retired. You are so right.

I used to look good all the time when I worked. The make-up, clothes, jewelry, shoes, you name it. I was always dressed head to toe. I was in the public eye and surrounded by people every day.

I have learned to enjoy the simple things in life I took for granted when I worked, I love to see the sun shining through the trees. The sun when it sets. I love to hear the birds chirp and sing. I love to look at the green grass.

I appreciate nature more. I watch the squirrels too. Thank you for allowing me to see how I'm truly blessed.

I am so grateful that I do not have to go out in bad weather to get to work. The traffic, the meetings, and other things. Thanks and enjoy your retirement.