What keeps me going, look forward to another day?
By Shiva
@Shiva49 (26202)
Singapore
December 10, 2020 12:02pm CST
All said and done, this life is not a bed of roses. At times, our faculties are challenged and we feel lost. We also struggle to find meaning to our existence.
We can easily be misunderstood and we are on damage control mode at home and also at workplace. Being human means people can jump to conclusions and doubt our intentions.
I recall at a workplace, some harsh words were spoken and I thought that was a signal for me to leave. I did after pondering for a couple of days. What had been a smooth relationship was broken and I felt it would never be the same. Despite a semblance of apology received, I lost my moorings to put my best foot forward after that incident. I took an idealistic approach – either I put in my best or leave but the former was not an option for me.
There were a few such in my personal life as well that made me ponder the meaning of life. I was always for compromise but I could not cheat my conscience, pretend things were hunky dory when it was not. However I had some things going in my favor. Those who mattered knew me as one who had their interest in my heart and I would put my own on hold.
Now it is time for retirement after over forty years of work life. Now I don’t miss my working life at all. And technology has helped me to find meaningful avenues to spend my time. Those who were obsessed with working life are past. I make sure to enjoy each day as another is not certain.
I am a homebody and this virus has helped me to feel comfortable at home and not feel guilty! I am in august company in that regard!
Well, what really keeps me going is the uncertainty in life, not a dull moment! How I react to them is a case study by itself. I also would love to observe others reactions to the ups and downs and chip in to keep their chin up.
The phases in life take its toll but the beauty is we can relive the experiences without changing their course! When we live the present on our terms, we should also reap what we have sown.
Free Image from Dreamstime.com: Life
11 people like this
11 responses
@ptrikha_2 (45472)
• India
11 Dec 20
@JudyEv
Yes my father still remains occupied after retirement.
Yet some of his colleagues did not find suitable avenues and some got into depression and mental health issues.
3 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (45472)
• India
13 Dec 20
@JudyEv
Some are so much just into their works that they feel a big void. My father was very active in some of the things at home.
In fact, we kids did not satisfy many of his expectations with regards to doing certain things at home!! 
Yet I do not keep that many expectations from my kids. There are things that vary from generation to generation. Also the ability to keep himself busy is helping my Dad at the old age of 80.
Yet I do not keep that many expectations from my kids. There are things that vary from generation to generation. Also the ability to keep himself busy is helping my Dad at the old age of 80.2 people like this
@kanuck1 (4394)
•
10 Dec 20
It's good when we are able to find some joy in life and some reason to keep going. Like you, while I don't ignore the problems, I don't focus on the problems but on the blessings. My faith and hope also keep me going, because beyond the storms there will be sunny days!
4 people like this
@Shiva49 (26202)
• Singapore
11 Dec 20
Yes, I used to wait for the light down the dark tunnel and take comfort in the saying "the darkest hour is just before dawn".
The good times and the bad alternate and in later years I took both in my stride.
Time heals too and soon all is water under the bridge.
3 people like this
Yes, soon or one day soon this life will be over, whether we were good or bad, happy or sad, stubborn or cooperative...
@RebeccasFarm (86754)
• United States
10 Dec 20
I am glad you no longer have the pressure of other people's harshness.
4 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (86754)
• United States
11 Dec 20
@Shiva49 Oh yes one can be prepared, but we never know what life will bring to us.
4 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (45472)
• India
10 Dec 20
Best of wishes for a new life phase. So would you be taking a freelance job or just do things part time?
You indeed had the conviction to stand by your belief. Not everyone of us can do at workplace.
But yes, I have started being a little bit more proactive, assertive and communicative at the workplace.
3 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (45472)
• India
11 Dec 20
@Shiva49
Well I sometimes have to be a little different from my normal self as some people try to take more advantage of a calm and composed person sometimes.
At times even I feel that I have been harsh to a few people but I feel that sympathizing with a too clever person is not needed at all.
3 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (45472)
• India
12 Dec 20
@Shiva49
Yes even I try to keep personal and official matters separate. However, there are some people who do cause problems when we adopt such an approach.
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (26202)
• Singapore
11 Dec 20
In fact, I have been retired for nearly three years.
Even during my last few years of working life, I was working at office for half-a-day and switched to WFH for the rest of the time. So I had a smooth transition unlike a few of my friends who were at full throttle till the final day and found the adjustment rather difficult.
I decided to resign after that incident but kept the decision to myself. Then I asked my wife whether she noticed any change in me. She said no and then I broached the subject! I enjoyed the next few months of free time and then transitioned to another job.
Yes, good to change our approach to suit the environment though I tried to be myself all the time.
3 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (86754)
• United States
14 Dec 20
This day it is exceptionally vital to keep going.
1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (45472)
• India
13 Dec 20
@Shiva49
Yes getting into despair is something that we all should strive against.
At times, I feel very down but then somehow find a reason to stay afloat.
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (45472)
• India
13 Dec 20
@Shiva49
Perhaps when we look back at this time after 5 or 6 years, we would have a different perspective.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246838)
• United States
12 Dec 20
I remember you confiding in me regarding your decision to retire. I don’t blame you one bit. Like you, we are happily retired and have more than enough to keep us occupied, happy, and content. Time to reap the rewards and let bygones be bygones.
3 people like this
@DianneN (246838)
• United States
14 Dec 20
@Shiva49 
My work interfered with my social life. So happy we are free to enjoy life without needing to work anymore. We haven't been bored a day in our lives.
You were a good son to your parents, but I am very pleased that you can live happily and be contented. That's the way to do it, which many cannot do.
Getting rid of fairweather friends is the most rewarding thing you can do for yourself. No more having to be a team player and biting your tongue.
. Enjoy every single day!
My work interfered with my social life. So happy we are free to enjoy life without needing to work anymore. We haven't been bored a day in our lives.
You were a good son to your parents, but I am very pleased that you can live happily and be contented. That's the way to do it, which many cannot do.
Getting rid of fairweather friends is the most rewarding thing you can do for yourself. No more having to be a team player and biting your tongue.. Enjoy every single day!1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (26202)
• Singapore
13 Dec 20
I know from your posts how well you have taken to retired life - like a duck to water.
It has acquired a life of its own.
I had to take turns to look after my parents and that meant I could not take up a challenging career. However, I made sure I could live happy and contented.
Now I have the luxury to discard a lot of unnecessary baggage including fair weather friends!
2 people like this
@innertalks (21026)
• Australia
11 Dec 20
The only power to move us past despair and sorrow is love.
Love lifts us up; all the rest of life pulls you down.
So we need to go with love, and live a happier tomorrow, as well as today too, of course.
@innertalks (21026)
• Australia
12 Dec 20
@Shiva49 I am not sure if trying to obtain the best way of using our time is always the best approach to our using time, or not?
God never worries about time, and so his best is always his best.
Perhaps, we should do the same, and so do not be concerned about wasting time, or trying to use it in the best way possible; we should just do our best, in the moment, and let time be itself too.
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (26202)
• Singapore
12 Dec 20
@innertalks God is permanent but we have a limited period here in the present energy form. That should continue later wherever as the seed is nurtured here the best possible way.
We have choices aplenty and we should seamlessly glide from one to another inspired by our inner knowing rather than getting carried away by body and mind but without ignoring any.
I do whatever gives me fulfillment at the moment but without selfishness and guilt. Break the barriers is my motto as they build all the time due to our selfishness and insecurity.
1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (26202)
• Singapore
11 Dec 20
Yes, all is part of the overall love and love shields us from pains.
Now I do what I can and move on, sometimes, putting out the fire not of my making.
God has a plan to send us here and with certain talents, so utilizing the time in the best way possible should keep us on even keel.
3 people like this
