Finding Purpose in Retirement

[doneat54]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Navigator perhaps even leave the world a little better for my having been here.

Interesting discussion. I never questioned the "purpose thing", at least in terms of me being able to occupy my time with interesting activities. But to Navigator's statement above, I have begun to think about what I want my legacy to be. What do I want to be remembered for, what "footprints" do I want to leave, etc. I have done a good bit of healthy thinking about this that gradually steers me in life...

[Nemo2]

My 'legacy' will likely be - "Oh yeah, yeah, wasn't he the guy who....no, no I think that was somebody else...don't give me a hint, I'll get it......OK, I give up...are you sure I met him?"

[street]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dixonge In the past I derived a sense of purpose from both religion and work. Work was more practical - people depended on me, required my presence. In that way the 'sense' of purpose was similar to people depending on you for a ride or babysitting. Nothing to do with one's long-term legacy, just a 'sense.' Religion was more esoterical. My purpose was to follow the rules and conform to whatever the latest concept of a 'righteous' person was, usually involving roles at church and as a husband and father. When I left religion behind I definitely noticed this absence of a sense of purpose. Not right away, but within a year or two. Since I was raised in a fundamentalist home and generally followed that mentality for four decades, this was a big deal! When I left work I felt the loss of that secondary sense of purpose, but it was offset by not having to deal with stupid people all day. LOL I never felt that my role at work was special or meaningful in the big picture. So yeah, after having spent three decades or so spending most of my waking hours doing jobs for the end result of just having money to pay the bills, I definitely would prefer not to get to the end of my life and look back and see that I spent my retirement years just existing, doing nothing of any importance. Sure, that beats having to be at work every day, but I feel a sense of needing to do something more. I'm not looking for sainthood, just a fleeting sense of significance.

Very well said and thought out. I can relate to and my thinking is in sync with what you have said.

[GravitySucks]

My special purpose is the same as Navin Johnson's. (The Jerk)