Member-only story
Reclaiming Our Physical Selves in Retirement
Saying goodbye to the Dad Bod and Muffin Top
When people speak of what gives life meaning and purpose, some refer to being part of a group focused on a goal larger than themselves. In these associations, we find a grander sense of possibility. Our roles in the military, sports teams, political or social movements and charitable endeavours are some examples. For many of us, our first-hand experience of placing ourselves secondary to a larger purpose comes from family.
As adults assuming the mantle of family, we take on eye-watering mortgage debts to house our clan. We sign up for onerous car payments to safely transport our loved ones to and fro. We remain in soul-crushing employment for benefits and stability at the expense of personal or intellectual growth. Our family vacations are spent driving to attractions and resorts with a primary focus on child and youth amusement.
Much of our down time is spent transporting kids to activities designed to enrich their lives in music, arts and sports. If only by design, children in modern families are sent to what amounts to a decades-long self improvement camp. As we want our children to fully realize their best and total selves, along the way there are casualties.
