Whether you believe in a higher power or not, I think all of us would agree that we’re brought into this world not just to breathe and take up space. That is merely existing. I’m talking about living. What are we here for? Do we have a purpose or a calling? I’ve been thinking about this and doing a lot of reading, and it’s got me wondering: was I born just so I could be a librarian and writer, a daughter, a sister, an aunt and a wife? Those are jobs and titles. When you dig deeper, we are all infinitely more than just what we do or what we call ourselves.
Personally, I believe that nothing in life is random. Many would disagree with me, and I’ll respectfully leave you to your beliefs. My world though, hinges on a rock-solid certainty that each of us is put on this earth at a specific time, for a specific purpose. Where we find ourselves at any given moment in time is exactly where we belong, where we’re meant to be. Even if it doesn’t appear that way. I’ve come to understand and internalize that every single person has not only the unique ability, but the responsibility to make their mark on the world. In short, we all have the potential, even the obligation, to be influencers.
If you have a gift that enables you to heal people, then heal. If you’re endowed with a talent for helping people learn, then teach. Got a flair for writing? Use it to influence the world for good. We don’t need to be geniuses. We just need to look deep within ourselves, figure out our personal strengths and discern where there’s a need in the world. Then, like mini-superheroes, we can make our contribution to the world by swooping in and filling that need.
Clearly, retirement has made me more introspective. And desirous of doing good, not just passing time. I’ve quoted William Wordsworth often, because the words ring so true: “The world is too much with us; late and soon, getting and spending, we lay waste our powers.” I think many of us underestimate our “powers,” and don’t believe we have anything important to share with the world. Now is not the time to be modest.
My world has undeniably expanded, and my understanding of the deeper issues in life is becoming clearer. It’s both humbling and empowering. Once you see where you can make your mark on the world, go for it! Be that mini-superhero. Because you just never know where, or on whom, your actions might make an impact.
What I can say for certain is that retirement is the most fulfilling job I ever had. It’s allowed me to grow and learn, and hopefully, be a better person. I was blessed with a wonderful career for nearly 34 years, but I was pursuing a living, not a life. Now I’m enjoying diving into the deep end of life and discovering what’s below the surface. We should all be so lucky.
Shelley Civkin, the retired “face of Richmond,” was a Librarian & Communications Officer at Richmond Public Library for nearly 30 years, and author of a weekly book review column for 17 years.
