Thrive

"The key to a successful life lies not in the absence of challenges, but in our ability to navigate them with grace and resilience."

Dear Investors & Friends :

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Welcome to this week’s edition of SundayReads.

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Last week I attended two events where the word retirement and retirees popped up.

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I had the pleasure of attending a heartwarming session titled "Thrive," orchestrated by Shrikanth Iyer, aimed at fostering wellness within our community. During the session, Shrikanth spoke fondly of the remarkable septuagenarian Mrs. Vimla Nandkumar, whose unwavering spirit and dedication to social welfare left a lasting impression on all who were present.

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As I reflected on Mrs. Nandkumar's inspiring journey, I couldn't help but contemplate the evolving perception of retirement which again came up when we were at HDFC Life as a part of a group session dedicated to retirement and life thereafter.

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In today's world, reaching one's seventies is often seen as the threshold of retirement, yet when we look back at the generations before us, it marks merely the midpoint of their retirement journey. ?Surrounded by remarkable women like Mrs. Nandkumar, Mrs. Sharma, Mom, and Maa, I am continually awestruck by their boundless energy and enthusiasm for life.

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Retirement, often misunderstood as the conclusion of one's journey, is, in reality, a fresh chapter brimming with opportunities for rediscovery, relearning, and reliving cherished moments. These serve as guiding principles for those embarking on this new phase of life.

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Let me share with you the captivating stories of these remarkable women, each embodying the essence of the retirement journey's five stages.

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Pre-Retirement - Anticipation and Preparation

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Mrs. Sharma, a beacon of vitality, eagerly awaits her retirement with a sense of anticipation and preparation. With a keen focus on the four pillars of retirement—health, family, purpose, and finances—she diligently tends to her well-being through yoga and nutritious cooking. Her family bonds grow stronger as she nurtures relationships with her children and grandchildren through a story from mythology and the Gita. She pursues her passion of bakery and her cakes are a hit in the community.

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The Honeymoon Phase - Bliss and Exploration

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Enter Maa, whose zest for life knows no bounds. After we lost Baaba, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery during this phase of retirement. Engaging in creative pursuits such as culinary experiments and stitching, Maa finds solace and joy in the simple pleasures of life. She engages with her grandchildren actively having made for herself an Instagram and Facebook account. She is updated on the latest trends, Bollywood stories and shares them with us and always has a joke to share with the kids through her Instagram account.

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Disenchantment - Facing Challenges

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However, the honeymoon phase may wane, ushering in a period of disenchantment as retirees confront unforeseen challenges. It is about two years that Dad passed away and yet my Mom, grappling with the loss of her husband, finds herself ensnared by loneliness. We all know how important friends and family are in maintaining good mental health, but sometimes geography or other people’s busy lives mean we end up not seeing as much as we would like of those we love.

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Re-Orientation and Finding Oneself - Renewal and Growth

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Yet, amidst the darkness, Mom is discovering the therapeutic power of pottery, painting, and reconnecting with nature through her yoga and walks. In the midst of adversity, she is embarking on a journey of reorientation and self-discovery, drawing upon her inner strength, emerging from the depths of grief to embrace new hobbies and forge connections within her community. Through resilience and determination, she tries rediscovers her sense of purpose and identity.

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Stability - Embracing Balance

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Finally, stability ensues as retirees achieve a harmonious balance in their lives. Mrs. Vimala Nandkumar, a septuagenarian with a heart of gold, exemplifies this equilibrium through her commitment to philanthropy and community service. Her unwavering dedication to uplifting others embodies the fulfilment found in purposeful living. Mrs Nandkumar has turned strangers into friends through volunteering – though that’s just one of her many activities.?

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Now, as you sit there, perhaps in your fifties, nearing the magic number of 60, I implore you to ponder: Are you envisioning how you will live your retired life? Will you pursue a long-held passion, dedicate your time to volunteering, or perhaps learn a new game? The possibilities are endless, but the choice is yours.

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As you contemplate your future, remember the stories of Mrs. Sharma, my Maa, my Mom and Mrs Vimala. Their journeys serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless opportunities that retirement presents.

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So, I ask you: What legacy will you leave behind? What dreams will you pursue? And how will you find joy, fulfillment, and strength in this new chapter of life?

Until the next week and the next SundayRead, Ciao.

Sincerely,

Kavita Bothra

Helping you think thoughts you may not have thought before.