After retirement one feels low, unwanted and discarded in the dustbin of History During employment ,the position, power and influence, we wielded, makes us intoxicated with nostalgia of our great worth If it is the chair and position you nutured with pride then the world around you will collapse like a deck of cards You are bound to seek continued gratification to bolster your sagging image and feel your intrinsic past worth.Be aware realistically that even in your own home family ,friends your value is discounted .You will be disappointed and depressed that people who adored and admired you for their own welfare are as distant, as the stars ,as they were attracted to honey, like the flies selfish to the core.If your attitude is of adjustment that you deliverd in your position not as the great favour to be recalled, but a part of your reslkbsibilty and duty and that is how it should end. Not feel hurt at imagined ingratitude of human nature It is extremely rare breed of humans, who not only remain indebted and obliged but make it a point to recall, appreciate and recognize .Liok at your own children, the sacrifices you made in providing the best you could ,but as they grow up naturally their family concerns ,preferences are topmost priority You can wait and your needs can be dispensed with . It is a natural phenomenon and the more you chart out an independent life,the more happy you will be Dependence on gratitude is shattering experience You will recall the analogy of fused bulb .No matter the wattage, whether the make is CFL ,LED or brand is popular it did shine, provide light to dispel darkness, it served its purpose effectively admirably,but now the rumination on past glory and reflection on importance will be akin to self flagelation and painful torture . Renember many like you held much more prestigious positions and wielded greater power and influenced and have just faded into oblivion after sunset years of life. How true that rising sun gets more acknowledgement, then setting sun ,though both are admirable for their beauty and grandeur for different reasons If you expect extended warranty for past services, then period of limitations apply to all product and services . Let not the state of your hapiness be held hostage to return favours of indebtedness,but it is best to forget what you did rightlyand justly ,as a part of your professional duty with responsibilty .You will notice that those who received your gracious generous, magnanimity are the ones who ignore and cause deep hurts. May be ingratitude is a response of guilt of receiving largesse leading to guilt feelings Cultivate and attitude and behaviour of smillingly ignoring without honest expectations of reciprocation. Many a times one is surprised by those to whom we do not owe us any courtesy even.Such incidents gladden our beautufully life. Adding to renewed commitment of goodwill. Strangers who extend unexpected services is repayment in joy , for what one did in the past ,indirectly. Recall the history how Christ was crucified with highest ingratitude for the goodness he spread in his life.We are much lesser mortals and our so called grandiose sacrifices, favours commitments pale into total insignificance Hence our contributions to society, family , institutions and individuals are just part of duty and at best humanity Living incognito walking with head down in humility ,shone of past glory .will usher in greater joy Let not happiness be hinged to our past position of glory, which in anyway is illusive but let the present be created with contentment in simplicity and humility
Nelson Lopes. Chinchinim
