Image by tonyhall via Flickr
At different times I have described the governing philosophy here at RalphCarlsonBlog. It has evolved over time from a frivolous, self indulgent and ultimately impotent ego trip to it’s present state as a window into the laboratory that is my current life.
Retiring raised my thinking about life to a new level and gave me focus that eluded earlier. When I defined myself as an employee, dependent for fulfilling my social obligations on pleasing individuals and organizations who would give me money in exchange, was dependent. Retirement gave me independence and the frightening glimpse of the hidden dimensions of life I had never recognized earlier. I changed how I thought about my life.
All along, the definition of my life style was largely out of my control. My life was a byproduct of the job I held. In my head, if I wanted to change that lifestyle, I needed to change my job. This system works fine so long as you keep working. When you stop working, it leaves you a cipher.
That was my dilemma. Who was I without my job and what would give my life meaning from now on? This might have taken me to a new commitment such as volunteer work or a serious hobby which would give me another facade to hide behind but I discovered a mind-blowing alternative which goes by the name of Lifestyle Design.
It took me in a whole new direction.
Ralph, and now as they say, the world’s your oyster.
Bill
Bill Murney’s last Blog Post ..Falling Behind
Bill,
The world may be my oyster but I’m still out there looking for one with a pearl.
Wow…A lot of soul searching. I’ve discovered that we are not what we do, but actually are only what we do. Maybe a little too Zen-like. But right now , I am, typing on a keyboard, that’s what I’m doing, that’s what I Am; until I press the submit button, when I will be something else.
hansi’s last Blog Post ..Crayola Friday
Hansi,
Cue the Twilight Zone music.
Ralph@Retirement Lifestyle’s last Blog Post ..Simple-What does it mean to you?
Hi Ralph,
What happens when one is made redundant and nobody wants you because they consider you too old. I am not ready to retire (nor am I at retirement age) but the system no longer thinks I have anything to contribute.
Don
Don’s last Blog Post ..CommentLuv Is Coming Soon
Don,
Then it seems to me that you need a new system. Screw theirs! Take your marbles to a new schoolyard.
I face some of the same sorts of issues: who am I if I’m not my degrees, my (lack of a) job, or some other status? It’s something we have the luxury of struggling with. In another day and age, we might have been defined by the clothes we were legally allowed to wear.
Dave Doolin’s last Blog Post ..Ask Anca: How much site maintenance do your clients do on their own?
Dave,
But you are Dr. Wordpress and can wear any clothes you want and be completely legal. Just don’t dine naked in SF.