Hanging it up

Dr Fahim Chand | Monday March 20, 2023 06:00

As the birdsong continued, the sunlight tore through the slotted void between the curtain and window. It festooned and warmed the cheek of the tiny human who lay asleep. A serene voice said, “wake up it’s time for school.”

My eyes opened slowly while my mother shook me gently. The waiting world sparked a tsunami of excitement within me as I slowly rose in anticipation of commencing my scholastic adventure.

I yawned and stretched my arms above my head sending the last of my slumber into the morning’s rebirth. As I washed my face, the water’s coolness jump-started my lumbering brain to ready it for the day’s undertaking. As I climbed into my chair, my waiting breakfast beckoned. I poured a liberal helping of W.K. Kellogg’s finest Rice Krispies into my waiting bowl, followed by a milk chaser. Wearing a playful smile, I added a teaspoon of sugar to energise my start to the day. A cup of Masala Chai warmed my insides and concluded my morning meal.

My mother held my hand as I was bundled into our waiting car. Heartbeat racing as I wondered what surprises awaited as I began my academic journey. We traversed the always sleepy streets of my beloved birthplace. As we drove up the hill and rounded the corner, the historic Lobatse Post Office sprung into view. My heart raced as apprehensive excitement swept through my five-year-old body. I turned to face my mother, who was driving the car. She had large black sunglasses with her hair pushed back. The epitome of effortless style. She wore a calm expression which settled my edgy energy. A talent of which I’ve taken advantage most of my life.

We passed another landmark, the BMC, and turned right into the parking area of the Lobatse Tennis Club. With anticipatory energy bubbling everywhere, my mother took my hand once more and walked me to the beautiful shaded edifice. The sound of excited children burst through and charged my own demeanour. My mom spoke to a tall, (I guess everybody looks tall when you are five-years-old) blonde, beautiful lady. They laughed at something and both turned to look at me. Was one of my hairs crooked? I was introduced to my nursery school teacher, Mrs. Gilflynn. What followed was my formal introduction into a world I would never leave. Even today, it is continuing education that allows me to be on the cutting edge of dentistry and health care innovations. It is this that allows you to not only bestow to your patients the best that the health world has to offer but satiate your own desire for self-worth. Two essentials in the pursuit of happiness. The world of education has taken me on a scintillating and compelling journey replete with breathtaking highs and wistful lows. Thrust into this ever-changing universe, one evolves and crafts a meaningful existence.

Though personal interaction with its own life defining purpose plays a significant part. It is in the pubescent naïveté of thinking that a BMW parked in the garage will bring lasting happiness when one finally realises that the grateful expression and silent prayer from your father when you help him navigate some steep steps is the priceless prize. Or buy him a treasured book which brings him immeasurable joy. But what about when the light dims on a career and retirement beckons? Perhaps the smart brains at Harvard University can provide some light on the situation? In 1938, Harvard researchers began a study that is still ongoing today to discover what makes people happy in life.

The researchers collected health information from 724 people from all across the world and asked extensive questions about their lives every two years. When it comes to retirement, we frequently worry about things like finances, health issues and caring. The No. 1 issue people experienced in retirement, according to their comments, was not being able to replace the social connections that had supported them for so long at work. Individuals who thrive in retirement find methods to cultivate connections. Despite this, nearly no one discusses the significance of finding new sources of meaning and purpose. One participant, when asked what he missed about being a doctor for over 50 years, answered: “Absolutely nothing about the work itself. I miss people and friendships.”

There are important lessons to be learnt not only about retirement, but about work itself: We are often shrouded in financial concerns and the pressure of deadlines, so we don’t notice how significant our work relationships are until they’re gone. Hopefully when the transition takes place, it is with a group of cherished friends or family. Regular coffee or supper clubs to reminisce about the old days. The big fish that got away, first loves and the inevitable broken hearts. Weekly gatherings to watch the big football matches and discussions on how Arsenal managed to win the English Premier League title 20 years in a row with Mikael Arteta unquestionably being proclaimed the greatest manager who ever lived. Regardless of the sport. While we may all have our own retirement dreams, it seems obvious that we need each other to live a happy life. So while protecting your financial independence by paying off your home or rental properties or investing in retirement funds, cultivate your personal relationships for your mental well-being and happiness. It appears to be a win-win situation.