What's your plan for the rest of your life?

[SilentDawning]

I might have mentioned that I had a severe heart attack 1.75 years ago. It has me estimating my useful life on the planet. I expect I will last a few years after I'm 70 given the myriad of health promises I have.

I am no longer active in the church, and don't see myself coming back into the fold any time soon.

So, what do you see as your plan for the remainder of your life on this planet? What would you like to achieve? Does any of your planning help you prepare for the life after this one (if you still believe there is one)?


[Without the traditional views of the church to guide me, I feel a bit lost when I ponder this question, hence my interest in hearing what others have to say].

[Roy]

I have two teenage children at home. My goal is to help them to "launch" and be happy, healthy, kind, reasonably well adjusted adults that contribute to their communities.

I do save for retirement but honestly I cannot imagine that phase of my life right now.

I feel very much at peace with any afterlife I may experience. I would also be at peace without any afterlife.

[Old-Timer]

I work in a “helping” field. I plan on continuing to do that until my wife and I are ready to retire - and then look for ways to use my skills to help people (and travel regularly with my wife).

The next life, if there really is one, will take care of itself.

[Minyan Man]

My plan is to get closer to my family. Wife, Sons, daughter, in-laws, grandchildren, etc.
I know that everyone feels this way but, they are extraordinary people. It is interesting to
watch them maneuver through this life. Face challenges, make decisions, raise their children.

Time has gone by so fast. And since we've retired, time is moving like a rocket.
Our life expectancy is now in the single digits. (It won't be long now.)

[Roy]

Dear Minyan Man,

I love you and we are richer for having the opportunity to get to know you, your life experiences, and your thoughts through this support group.

Thank you for your contributions to StayLDS.

[AmyJ]

So, what do you see as your plan for the remainder of your life on this planet? What would you like to achieve? Does any of your planning help you prepare for the life after this one (if you still believe there is one)?


[Without the traditional views of the church to guide me, I feel a bit lost when I ponder this question, hence my interest in hearing what others have to say].

LIFE PLAN (ISH):
I am in my mid forties. My life plan is really an ongoing question of "what requires my attention". My husband has additional physical and mental health support needs that could kill him in the next 15 to 20 years, and more then likely more medical case management and executive functioning caretaking from me. We have 2 additional needs children - 1 of whom will not be ready in 4 years to maintain an adult lifestyle. The other is only almost 8. I have a sibling with severe handicaps that may need to stay with family / family case management. The mess that is guardianship is kept at bay because both of my parents are still living and capable of caring for my sibling and themselves <crosses fingers>.

I'd like to get a master's degree while working full time without dropping insurance and setting up the family for family level accommodation clashes that I then would need mediate. I doubt that I will get to retire, so I really don't think about that as much as I should.

I do not consider myself a Christian at this point, but I want it said of me what was said of Scrooge at the end of "A Christmas Carol":

And it was always said of him [her], that (s)he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any (hu)man alive possessed the knowledge

I want my legacy to be that level of charity and compassion. I want to be known as a brave oracle who gave freely and wisely. I also want to be known not to take some stuff too seriously (if I can sneak that in).

AN AFTERLIFE:
I am hopeful for reincarnation that I get to be a tree or a druid or something peaceful.
I think that if there is a spiritual essence part, I like to think that we can drift back and sprinkle good luck on our descendants or something - at least say "hello".

I choose to hope that returning to the "God who gave them life" means peace, rest, and a chance to introspect on all good we did despite many mortal handicaps, as well as a chance to co-create (without a uterus).

NOTE: You have not lived until you have your 14 year snottily inform you in a deadpan voice that "uteruses are over-rated".

[Roy]

I do not consider myself a Christian at this point, but I want it said of me what was said of Scrooge at the end of "A Christmas Carol":
And it was always said of him [her], that (s)he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any (hu)man alive possessed the knowledge
I want my legacy to be that level of charity and compassion. I want to be known as a brave oracle who gave freely and wisely. I also want to be known not to take some stuff too seriously (if I can sneak that in).

That's beautiful Amy!

NOTE: You have not lived until you have your 14 year snottily inform you in a deadpan voice that "uteruses are over-rated".

My 16 year old ASD child who is taking college classes and doing math I cannot understand was distraught because we were having vegetarian chili. He thought that he couldn't have any because he isn't a vegetarian.

[DarkJedi]

I retired about a year and a half ago. Part of my reasoning was that while I had a fair amount of time off in my job, my time off was under my employer's control and not mine (except for sick time and 4 personal days). That meant, for example, when my son got married right after Christmas (date chosen because I could come) it was very much a quick trip with little room for flight issues, etc.

Anyway, I now have time to visit my adult children spread across the country when it is convenient for them and me. I also have a bucket list of travel I have always wanted to do (recently checked off the Grand Canyon). DW has a couple years to go until she can retire and then we will be even more free (she can take time off whenever but it's still limited).

Other than that, I support my children in their endeavors and take pride in their accomplishments. At some point we'll have grandchildren which I look forward to. Mostly I try to be a good neighbor and as nice a person as I can be. I hope my health remains good. MM is right, the older I get the faster the time flies. I know my days are numbered as well, wouldn't it be nice (in some ways) to know our expiration date?

[SilentDawning]

Thanks for those responses. My current plan is to keep working until I am at least 70. During that period I would like to publish a scholarly journal article at least once a year. I would like to pursue hobbies in music and guitar building. I would like to keep my marriage strong and improve my relationship with my wife. I wouldn't mind going to church more regularly but I am not inspired by the inevitable clashes with priesthood leaders who will want me to get full temple worthy and with whom I would have to have conversations where I assert my independence from the church textbook plan. That's about it. If I was closer to my children I would include them in the plan but I am estranged from my daughter and my son isn't that interested in a relationship with me unfortunately.