Embracing Wisdom and Defying the Concept of Retirement
In recent years, I’ve been reflecting on aging and the societal expectations that come with it. One question keeps arising: why do we need the term “retirement” in our lives? The traditional idea of retiring at 65 seems outdated, especially as we live longer, healthier lives. What was once deemed the “retirement age” should now be a personal choice, free from societal pressure.
This reflection was triggered by a recent conversation with an old neighbor. They asked, “So, when is Marke going to retire?” My immediate response was, “He is not going to retire—he loves his job.” But later, I realized I should have let him answer. My reaction stemmed from my own struggles with embracing my age and the new chapter I began nearly two years ago.
As I approach my 66th birthday, I feel vibrant and full of life. My heart is overflowing with things to share, and I have never felt more connected to my purpose. Since launching Soulful Guidance last March, I’ve created my first Oracle deck and guidebook, along with a 30-day planner and journal. The growth I have experienced in these two years surpasses anything I have felt in the last decade.
This journey has taught me that our later years can be some of the most fulfilling if we allow them to be. It took time for me to embrace who I am at this stage of life. For too long, I felt embarrassed about my age, keeping it hidden. But as my products are now ready for the market, I’ve started shedding that fear. I’m beginning to shine brightly and proudly, realizing that reaching this age is a privilege that not everyone gets to experience.
Interestingly, as I write these blogs, I notice a pattern: they often reflect the Oracle cards I’ve created, almost as if they guide me to share their wisdom in a practical, everyday context. Oracle cards are known for offering insights into the past, present, and future, guiding people to understand their place in life. Yet, many seek these tools for answers outside themselves, hoping to hear what they want rather than what they need to acknowledge.
The truth is, Oracle cards—especially Soulful Guidance Oracle cards—are much more than that. They are a guiding system, helping us become consciously aware of where we are in our lives, what we need to let go of, and what we need to embrace. They show us the path we are already on, highlight our choices, and encourage us to step into our true potential.
As we age, particularly after reaching our mid-50s, life offers a unique opportunity to reinvent ourselves. The roadmap of our lives shifts every decade, and with age, these shifts become more about internal growth than external achievements. We reach a point where we can choose how to spend our time—whether creating something new, engaging in self-care, traveling, or simply enjoying life’s pleasures. For some, this might mean a new career or passion project; for others, it’s about enjoying life on their own terms, pursuing hobbies, spending time with family, or giving back in meaningful ways.
I have come to realize that I am an empath, and the more I give and help others, the more alive I feel. As my birthday approached, my husband and son asked me what I wanted as a gift, and my answer was simple: I wanted to spend time with them, share a meal, and enjoy each other’s company. This realization highlights the gift I have been given—the ability to connect with others and bring light into their lives. Everyone has their unique gift; it’s about tapping into it, recognizing its value, and letting it flourish at the right time.
So, as I continue on this journey, I understand that age is not a limitation but a gateway to deeper wisdom and fulfillment. Soulful Guidance Oracle cards embody this belief, offering guidance that is both practical and profound, encouraging each of us to embrace who we are and the path we are on.
Reflective Question
As you navigate your own journey, what gifts have you discovered within yourself? How might you embrace them more fully at this stage of your life?
