Why am I still Happy After Retirement

Golden Wedding Anniversary Photo, 2007

I have just finished reading an article about an American Citizen who is married to a Filipina and decided to move permanently to the Philippines about 10 years ago. At first there were a lot of cultural shocks but after two years of acculturation and adjustment to the life in the Philippines, the couple claimed they are very, very happy today in the Philippines. The article also reminded me that indeed happiness is not a place but in your heart and mind. The article also inspired me to write this short article on why I am very happy even after my retirement.

Happiness is not the same for every person, once the basic necessity of life has been achieved. In my case, what makes me happy is not a lot of money but personal achievements. Another item that makes me happy is my personal relationships with my family, relatives and friends. In addition, one must have an achievable goal in every stage of his life even after retirement to be happy.

The most important item that makes me a happy is our lifestyle. If you have been reading my blogs, you probably already know that my wife and I are practicing the snowbird lifestyle between US and in the Philippines, every year, since 2002.

In 2002, I retired from the Food and Drug Administration. Two years before my retirement, my wife and I started building our retirement home in Boac, Marinduque, Philippines. After the main house was completed we decided to add a servant quarter next door to the main house. Two years later we built a beach house followed by a conference hall At first we did not plan on opening the beach house and conference hall to the public. However, because of popular demand, we decided in 2006, that the Hall and Beach House is now publicly available for rent. This is the beginning of my small beach resort and Conference Center. We named it Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort and Conference Center.

How about you, my dear readers? What makes you happy? A lot of money and a prestigious job? A Happy Marriage? Good Health and Family Accomplishments? Lifestyle ? I will be glad to hear from you!