Enjoy work
By Jean Ricot Dormeus
One of my elementary school teachers taught me a vital moral thought, “God – country – work”. This order of life priorities still resonates with me as I realize how harmful idleness or coasting can be. A colleague of mine related to me that many UN retirees pass away a few years after retiring. Their health conditions and mental acuity appear to decline rapidly without regular productive activities.
A mentor of mine also confirmed the importance of staying active. He said that several NASA astronauts had to engage in important projects after a successful stint to avoid drifting or falling prey to substance abuse.
Working and staying active contributes to robust health, boosts longevity, and determines how we impact others. Any goal we want to reach, any transformation, any progress requires work. The level of pressure or uncertainty often associated with work flows from climbing to new heights or exploring new territory or dealing with unsupportive people. The discomfort is quite normal until we land in a new comfort zone. We enjoy work as long as we focus on its immeasurable benefits.
“A 2015 study of 83,000 older adults over 15 years, published in the CDC journal Preventing Chronic Disease, suggested that, compared with people who retired, people who worked past age 65 were about three times more likely to report being in good health and about half as likely to have serious health problems, such as cancer or heart disease… Mental stimulation and problem solving are good for maintaining thinking skills; social engagement is associated with staving off chronic disease; and staying physically active, even if it’s just walking, can lead to both better health and sharper thinking skills.”
King Solomon is emphatic, “There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and find joy in his work”. Working with joy, balance and vision appears to be the formula for a fulfilling life.
Jean Ricot Dormeus
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