Don't Waste Your Retirement

Ideas for blogs are delivered to my brain via multiple paths – sometimes just random thoughts, maybe a line from a book I’m reading, maybe a Bible verse that jumped off the page, a news story, and more.  However they come, I always get excited that there is more to discover, just from a few words that popped into my head, more to consider, more thoughts that unfold as I write.

Yes, just 2 words – INPUT/OUTPUT.  Have no idea where this came from, but I do know I immediately jumped to the idea that our days can be measured just with those 2 words – input/output.  How much of our day is spent on INPUT and how much is spent on OUTPUT?

I suppose it matters how you define these 2 words…but in general the word INPUT takes my mind to the basic idea of experiencing things, ingesting ideas, reading and thinking, being still and attentive, restful, contemplative, very little physical and mental energy – just receiving.  But that is very “connotation” oriented and perhaps not quite accurate?  The word OUTPUT implies action, energy, productivity, creativity and an end result.  But quite honestly we can take issue with all of those definitions because if you’re inputting information into a computer, you are being active and have an end result.  And I fully recognize that much of output is not possible unless we have a lot of input; we need to study and learn before we can produce.  And often INPUT and OUTPUT go hand in hand – a researcher has to have some input from certain facts or theories before producing an end conclusion 

We’ll let it rest at the simplest expression of INPUT implies taking something in and OUTPUT implies producing something.  And put in a few stats to make us think this through…

1. Retirees spend 7 hours a day on free time and media
2. Only a small percentage hit the mark of 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week
3. The older we get the more sedentary we become due to chronic pain

With those definitions and stats in mind, I decided to look and assess my days by how much time I spent under the INPUT button and how much time I spend under the OUTPUT button in my life.  How much of the day is spent being still under the banner of INPUT – reading, watching TV, contemplating, in silence, listening to the beautiful sounds of nature, resting or even eating a meal?  And how much of my day is spent in being productive – the cooking before the meal, searching for good books that enrich life or TV shows and movies that actually have a point to them and don’t waste your gray matter, sending encouraging emails that people need to receive, work itself via Zoom and meetings, volunteer time in church or the community, enjoying the socialization that comes with card games and sports activities, household chores and labor, relational time with friends and family?

It’s a very simple black and white way to go at your days without feeling guilty.  Some days will learn more towards one or the other, some days will be a healthy mix.  Some days we will be sick and be still, other days we are vibrant and active.  Some days it’s too cold or hot to go outside so we are not as active, some days are purposefully given to rest, as in the Sabbath rest.  Recognizing the multiple variables in any given day, my goal has been to always lean towards OUTPUT unless I’m taking an intentional INPUT day of rest.  OUTPUT puts me in touch with others, gives me an active lifestyle and keeps my mind whirling.  Sedentary will come soon enough through the aging process, so I’m all for as much OUTPUT as possible while the going is good!

And perhaps if you already find yourself limited by illness or chronic pain, finding new ways to be in the OUTPUT column could be a fun challenge!  Research ways to improve your mobility through diet and exercise, join an online group that deals with the same health issues, reignite an old friendship through a phone call or email, find a way to bless someone in need, volunteer for a prayer chain at church.  Maybe do some online tutoring or mentoring.  While I know we can recognize that INPUT is a necessary component of living, our lives can be enriched as we settle under the OUTPUT button as much as possible.