Am I becoming a new me or just un-becoming the old me? It’s a matter of perspective. Is the path forward after retirement a time to gather new resources and skills and roles, or is it a time to take all that I am now and edit it until I find my true self? Either way, I’m grateful for the time to consider this.
Becoming
Michelle Obama titled her memoir Becoming. She chronicled her journey toward her role in the White House. Ironically, “becoming” a first lady wasn’t a goal as much as the launch of her career as a writer and speaker. It was a step along the way. I always viewed my life this way: life, as a process of becoming, of adding new skills and experiences. I assumed this to be THE way.
Overwhelming Accumulation
However, there comes a time when you have accumulated many things in your home, or your life, and it feels overwhelming. Too much. I know that I need to clear out my spare room when the clutter covers the floor and bursts from the closet. Perhaps it’s time to clear out personally: a time to edit the skills, experiences and roles that I have, to uncover the floor?
What Is Un-Becoming?
Paulo Coelho* explained the process of personal editing well:
“Maybe the journey isn’t so much about becoming anything. Maybe it’s about un-becoming everything that isn’t really you, so you can be who you were meant to be in the first place.”
Editing To Find Me
I’ve started this un-becoming process** without even realizing it. I say “no” more often to things that I used to say “yes” to. I’m editing old traditions and roles from who I am. I listen more to myself and my body when deciding to explore novel activities or choose new clothes. Now that I’m conscious of this un-becoming process, I will look for other ways I can clear out the clutter and become who I was meant to be.
Have you un-become something that no longer feels like you? Comment below.
* Learn more about Brazilian lyricist and novelist, Paulo Coelho by clicking here.
**Click here for an interesting article on why unbecoming might be useful in life.
Retired, And Now What? 
1 comment