The first time I tasted true and intentional joy was when I retired from the workforce as my first story on this platform. As I sit here in my mid-70s, reflecting on the many turns my life has taken, a thought keeps returning to me: “Delaying gratification will serve us to live better, but delaying joy will not.” It’s a simple statement, but one that carries profound weight, especially at this stage of life.

I’ve spent decades practicing delayed gratification. Like many of you, I worked hard, saved for retirement, and made sacrifices, all in the hope of securing a better future.

And now, as I look around at the life I’ve built, I can see how those decisions have paid off. The comfort and stability I enjoy today are the fruits of those efforts. Delayed gratification has certainly served me well.

But there’s another side to this story — joy. Joy isn’t just a fleeting feeling; it’s a deep sense of contentment that comes from engaging in the things that truly matter. And if I’m being honest, there have been times when I’ve put joy on hold, thinking there would always be time later. But time, as we all know, is a precious and unpredictable thing.

At this point in life, I’ve come to realize that joy is not something to be delayed. It’s something to be embraced, savored, and lived in the moment.

Whether it’s spending time with loved ones, indulging in a hobby, or simply appreciating the little things, these are the moments that make life rich and meaningful.

Now, let’s talk about balance.

Yes, continuing to delay gratification might mean being overly cautious, always planning for a future that’s already here. But delaying joy? That’s a risk I’m no longer willing to take. The time to find joy is now.

From a practical standpoint, this shift in thinking means reevaluating how I use the resources I’ve saved. It’s about allowing myself to spend on experiences that bring happiness, rather than just watching my savings grow. It’s about balancing health with pleasure — sometimes, it’s okay to have that treat, simply because it makes you happy.

The relationships I’ve nurtured over the years are another source of joy. Delaying joy in this context might mean missing out on precious moments with loved ones. I’m choosing to embrace these connections, to express my feelings, and to truly be present with the people who matter most.

Psychologically, this shift is about mindfulness. It’s about living in the moment, being fully present, and allowing myself to experience joy without guilt or hesitation. It’s about avoiding the regret of missed opportunities, knowing that joy doesn’t have to be postponed.

Finally, there’s the question of legacy and purpose. Delayed gratification has helped me build a legacy, but now it’s time to enjoy the impact of that legacy. Whether through volunteering, creative pursuits, or simply sharing my insights with others, finding joy in the every day reinforces my sense of purpose.

In conclusion, while delayed gratification has served me well, delaying joy is no longer an option. Life in my mid-70s is about balance — continuing to be wiser and finding a better version of myself but also allowing myself to savor the moment.

It’s about recognizing that discipline and long-term planning have their place, but so do the immediate pleasures and joys that make life truly fulfilling. So, here’s to embracing joy, right here, right now and creating a better tomorrow together.

My focus is on graceful aging. I read an inspiring story about this topic from my mentor Dr Yildiz and would like to share it with you. I want to be like Gayle in next decade or so if I can live that long.

I’d love to know your thoughts on delayed gratification versus neglected joy in your lives.

Thank you for reading my story. I wish you a healthy and long life with your loved ones. In addition to Medium, I am also writing on Substack now. If you want to learn about my first month’s performance, you may check out this story.

I am a retired healthcare scientist in his mid-70s, and I have several grandkids who keep me going and inspire me to write on this platform. I am also the chief editor of the Health and Science publication on Medium.com. As a giveback activity, I volunteered as an editor for Illumination publications, supporting many new writers. I will be happy to read, publish, and promote your stories. You may connect with me on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Quora, where I share stories I read. You may subscribe to my account to get my stories in your inbox when I post. You can also find my distilled content on Subtack: Health Science Research By Dr Mike Broadly.

Health Science Research By Dr Mike Broadly.

This story was originally published on DigitalMehmet content ecosystem by the kind invitation of my esteemed mentor Dr Mehmet Yildiz (Newsletter), as a guest author on his insightful blog. You can read more blog posts like this on the DigitalMehmet website and its blogs, empowering writers and readers globally through the ILLUMINATION-Connect network.

Health Science Research By Dr Mike Broadly