I realize, a year has rolled after I separated from
official life 'for a while'. In sports they say, 'hanging the boot or glove'-
what is it for official life - 'shut down' or 'log off' . In fact, it is worth
analyzing this cliché for other professions too - will take it up later.
Strolling back, the retirement thought
process evolved over a period of time, compounded by so many desires and
finally the last step was compelled by circumstances. There were genuine well wishers , who have been with me
for decades really appreciated and encouraged me to press ahead , while there
were those who supported me with the thoughts of the days ahead, after stepping
down.
As already posted elsewhere in this blog, I
spent enough time, many mornings on this
and decided that if I could evaluate satisfactorily - the need, repercussions
and the path ahead, in that order, then
I should be driven in the best possible direction. I consulted many, browsed
extensively and consolidated finally my POA which had the wholehearted approval
of the immediate victims- my family !
As in life, some of our acts were
instantaneous , though the paths to the decisions were elaborate and consume
much time. But, the act of communicating to my immediate superiors were derived
on a cloudy September evening. Surprisingly, I was greatly relieved after
shooting off that mail, not because of a decision arrived at, more so I don't
need to think about it anymore and could focus on other matters of my interest.
Three months flew by and after a moving
farewell, I suddenly found myself alone at home with an empty home and a head
full of thoughts. I glanced through the TO DO spreadsheet and found it
difficult to focus on them, as I was yet to be mentally relieved from my desk. Whatever
it be I wanted to be clear that no new habits
inculcated, normal personal routines and preferences to remain undisturbed and
as for new acts, I was trying to recall my ambitions & aspirations for
years- it could be as trivial as walking down the Marina on a cold morning
before daybreak to extensive India tour.
Looking back, I realize that I have fairly
met my ambitions, aspirations and my own expectations. The first few months were
spent in sitting with my immediate elder brother, who required attention - one
of the major reasons for my quest for extra hours personally for me . I could
also make some trips down South, chill out for a few days at Kodai, make
walking a habit and could spend lots of time on my literary thirst. I would
have atleast read about a dozen books in English and Tamil and my blog posts
increased like the Chennai temperature in summer. Most importantly, I could
spend a lot of time with my family and lend my hand at domestic chores too- a hitherto
unknown terrain ! When my health beeped for service, the normally third
dimension of office- pending jobs- leave etc., was blissfully absent. I could
also tick off an enormous backlog of postponed jobs from carpentry to
realignment of finances. For some time,
I was working at a feverish pitch to clear my activities list, but soon
realized that this list will be perennially augmented and there is no point in
trying to clear it off - one of the big lessons.
But then, what are the other lessons of an
year away from office.
o
One
can keep oneself busy- there are umpteen avenues.
o
Keep
planning for the day on the eve so that you are well organized and it also
helps to beat the ennui.
o
Internet
is a treasure and years back what one had to do by walking miles, could now be done
by sitting at home- read, get
information, write, purchase etc.,
o
Early
morning becomes more enjoyable with reading than on the laptop.
I am happy I did not :
o
feel
bored on any day, the biggest fear of people around rather than me.
o
imbibe
the siesta - the most feared habit;
could be overcome, if desired.
o
look
for any job over the year, a definite sign of a wrong decision. Though I am
looking for more activities suitable to my thoughts and likes
Happy that I could listen periodically to music
and FM news from the dusted music
system, go for occasional matinee shows
in theatres ( after many many years) read & experiment with books of my choice by keeping my daughter's
library membership active , browse extensively, regularize health related
activities, make more posts in my blog, extend my hand for some differently
abled students, move around Mylapore streets and enjoy the Margazhi better.
Well, almost all the short term goals have been reached and let me now shoot
for the longer ones.
Life still holds a lot of promises
and I have my own expectations from it!. 2012, here I come !!
