Embracing Nostalgia: Lessons from Two Years of Retirement

The last day of the year is a time to look back on the months gone by and to create a vision for the year ahead. This day always makes me nostalgic, and my mind keeps wandering through memories of the year that has passed.

Today, however, I will rewind two years, as it is interesting to reflect on my post-retirement journey. I retired exactly two years ago, on 31 December 2024. I still vividly remember the moment I handed over my identity badge, which I had worn proudly on my chest for 35 years. It was a deeply emotional moment.

In corporate life, the year-end ritual often involves presentations on “What Went Well” and “What Needs Improvement.” Let me apply the same exercise to my personal life.

On the day of my retirement, my daughter specially came from Bangalore to drive me home on my last day at work. I never wanted to trouble her, but she said, “I wish to complete the circle. Papa, you drove me to school on my first day, and I want to drive you home on your last day at the office.” That moment will always stay close to my heart.

The past two years have been quite eventful for me. My daughter’s marriage in 2024 and the purchase of our new house in 2025 were major milestones. I am still struggling with the interior team to get the work completed faster. Starting my consultancy services was another significant milestone achieved in 2025.

Let me now look at what I had planned before retirement and what actually happened over these two years.

I had envisioned my retired life to be peaceful and happy. I wanted to pursue hobbies that I could not focus on during my working years. My core belief was simple: I worked for 42 years to earn money and fulfill family responsibilities; now, that money should work for me.

I had long wished to learn the tabla, to study our scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita, Dnyaneshwari, and Dasbodh, to read more books, and to write blogs regularly. I also wanted to try writing short stories. Most importantly, I wanted to slow down. After years of constant running during office life, it was time to pause and move at a gentler pace.

Looking back, I realize that I have fulfilled most of what I had planned. I began studying the scriptures, started tabla classes, and maintained consistency in my writing.

However, I am still struggling to truly slow down. The habit of constantly moving and chasing multiple goals still clings to me. I am currently working on a few assignments and will begin my first long-term consultancy assignment in the new year. There is a lot to look forward to, but at the same time, slowing down remains equally important.

Thank you, dear readers, for stopping by.

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy and Healthy New Year. 🌟