Some transitions in life could be difficult to cope with, e.g., retirements (voluntary or involuntary); geographical relocation; losing loved ones.  Especially for those who have had a very successful professional/business career, attaining a position of prestige, power and great influence and have immensely enjoyed what they do in their work, the rather sudden, if not overnight, change from being constantly bombarded with huge challenges and tall orders to seemingly a life of boring routines, from a packed day of work run on “high octane” or supercharged adrenaline to a leisure lifestyle, from fulfilment to insignificance, from prominence to anonymity or obscurity, from pride to humility may be very hard to take.  Some may echo with the hypothetical story and fictitious person in the following essay.  For those who are still in the prime or at the apex of their career or are facing an apparently long bright future, perhaps it is of no harm to prepare psychologically for the eventual reality which everyone will need to face one day. 

《As The Final Curtain Falls》 

The curtain rises and falls for the last time for this ballet performance season at this world-renowned performing arts theatre.  It is also the last hurrah for the principal female dancer of this world-class ballet company.  Seemingly unceasing thunderous applause and standing ovation from the appreciative audience and excited fans reverberate the prestigious music hall.  In the midst of these, Mary re-appears on stage to acknowledge and thank their well wishes.  As she reaches out her hands to accept the bouquet and bends her knees to bow to the full house, trying to do so gracefully and with flair as she had done for the last thirty plus years, tears ooze out from her charming and well made-up eyes.  The sadness of realizing that this evening is the very end of her long, illustrious ballet career is understandable.  On the other hand, only she knows and feels the unspeakable aching and pain of her aging joints and muscles, worn-out back and feet .  Years of slave-driven practice sessions and demanding top-notch performances have finally taken its toll on her slender body.  

Her ascend to fame and world-wide recognition as one of the best female ballet dancers of her contemporary era, if not one of the greatest ballet dancer of all times, had not been easy.  Extreme hard work, intense motivation, innate talent as well as having the opportunity given to her had enabled her to reach the world stage and find herself in the exclusive club of elite ballet performers.  She wants to continue dancing, perhaps forever.  She loves to invent new twists and try new dance style or techniques.  If she could, she will not trade it for anything else.  After all, ballet is her entire life.  However, the cruel reality of her failing health has finally caught up to her and shatters her dream. 

She is one of the last to leave the ballet hall.  The loud applauses and shouts for encore or praises have long vanished.  It is quiet and dark.  The remainder of her life too looks like a dark corridor or tunnel, full of uncertainty and meaninglessness.  As she descends the steps, a cute little girl runs towards her, seemingly coming out from nowhere.  In her feeble sweet voice, she says: “Madam!  Would you be kind enough to teach me ballet?  I want to be like you!”  It suddenly dawns on Mary that there is still life after ballet.  Perhaps she can be a teacher or mentor for those aspiring young ballet students who earnestly vie to reach the world stage. 

In her past, Mary has been blessed with or has had the good fortune of many favorable factors: divine help; excellent ballet mentor; supportive employer; friendly critics giving her rave reviews; good team members.  She realizes that she is now alone in deciding her future.  She could resort to bitter pining, always reminiscing of her glorious past.  Or else she could choose a positive path --- making herself useful or becoming a blessing for others.  After a long pause of deep self-reflections, Mary stoops down to hold the little girl’s hands and replies her in a gentle manner and yet affirmative tone: “This is my telephone number.  Call me to set up a time to talk to you about learning ballet.” 

Yes, there is still life after a career of success, fame and glamour.