Anthony Bourdain - A Cautionary Tale
I loved Anthony Bourdain - lock, stock and barrel! His bad boy persona, good looks, tattoos, grey hair and that face, which, in retrospect, revealed how harried he really was. He could have been cast in Sons of Anarchy. He was a revered, raunchy raconteur celebrated and imitated by his loyal fan base. He taught us that by going where the locals like to eat when we travel, we not only learn about their food preferences, but also what they think as well - cultural immersion 101.
In a recent interview, he described himself as "nervous, neurotic, driven". When asked about retirement, he acknowledged that he had thought about the "hammock on the beach" scenario, but recognizing his own temperament discarded the idea. I can empathize with that. I talked longingly about retirement a few years ago, but not today. As I count down the final days at a job that has defined me for decades, it is not without reservation.
Retirement represents an unknown quantity - planned for in varying degrees, but elusive and cause for apprehension. Bourdain eliminated it as an option several years ago and continued a work schedule that can best be described as grueling. For the last five years, he spent almost 70 percent of his time on the road filming "Parts Unknown" for CNN. Based on his own words, he probably would not have had it any other way, which, unfortunately, may have contributed to his demise.
Driven to work and dogged by depression, speculation about Bourdain's death abound; but truth be told, no one will ever know for sure how his demons got the best of him. Perhaps a wiser approach, and a better way to honor his memory, would be to help the family and friends of those suffering from depression to identify the warning signs for suicide and how to get help. The National Institute of Mental Health recognizes that suicide is a complicated problem, but one that can often be prevented.
For those of us who have reached, or are approaching, the age when retirement is an option, mandatory in some cases, or just expected in others; it is time for self-reflection and the certainty that there are different versions of retirement. Many, myself included, have decided to work part-time to gradually ease into retirement. Others have decided to focus on a hobby, their health, travel or reinvent themselves completely as an entrepreneur or in another career.
Self-doubt about our ability to adjust to a major change in our life can, and should, be replaced with hope. We can overcome the impulses that negatively affect our health and make good choices that allow us to live a more balanced life. The post retirement possibilities are endless and exciting. Wellness is more than a buzz word. The tools and techniques to improve the quality of our lives are more readily available that ever before. Today's retirees do not need to have any misgivings about life after retirement. Embrace it and know that it is "okay" to slow down and smell the roses.
Rest in Peace, Anthony Bourdain
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.