Work hard, they say. Then, when you retire, you will have enough to do all the things you always wanted to do.
How many people bought into this story only to arrive at their promised golden age and realize they are no longer able to do all these things they wanted to do and kept postponing.
How many people realized that a healthy bank account attached to a sick and desperate body is a doctor’s dream.
I decided to change the picture.
I set up a goal that I want to be active, independent and enjoying life at the age of 109.
Is it possible? I don’t know. But I know that there are people who continue working, playing and having fun at the age of 90 and beyond.
To live actively and continue having fun we need three treasures:
– A Healthy Body,
– A Sane and Active Mind,
– Balanced Emotions for Loving Connections
If we sacrifice our health, dull and poison our mind and accumulate anger and resentment, aging is no fun. And money is not going to fix it.
I lived on this planet long enough to learn that a strong, healthy body has way more opportunities and abilities to enjoy life’s pleasures.
All kinds of fun, all kinds of learning opportunities and all kinds of ways to earn a living are available to those who are healthy, strong and possess all their mental faculty.
So does it really make sense to postpone those pleasures until this uncertain time in the future, when we finally saved enough?
Or is it better to allocate time, energy and money resources to maintaining own body, energy and mental resources?
I know my answers. I know what I want. It is not just a long life that I desire and crave.
I dream that when the last breath comes, whenever this may be, it will be a breath of deep satisfaction and contentment from appreciating the fullness and beauty of life.
A few years ago, I started learning Taoist energy alchemy and Qigong. Over the years, it transformed my body, healed my mind and regenerated my soul. It opened me to joy and pleasure of being in my body.
Sometimes I do not want to get up in the morning and practice. Then, I think about my 109 year old self and ask, “What can I do for you today so you grow stronger and happier?”
And I know the answer, “Keep investing in yourself. Keep taking care of this body, this temple. Every day, invest a little. It will bring rich dividends over time.”
P.S. If you want my support in learning Taoist Qigong reach out to me. I offer free consultations on Zoom.