I recently (well, maybe a few years ago) became a retiree. I decided that I would write a blog post and assist others that might be in this situation soon. I want to give some do’s and don’ts, along with websites to research in order that you might smoothly enter the new stage. With each new phase of life comes many, and I mean many, things to learn.
“It is when we are in transition that we are most completely alive.” -William Bridges
I’m afraid there is no playbook for this stage of life. Although many things are handled differently, there isn’t one instruction book that fits everyone. You have more extra time than you’ve had in the past to learn to use wisely.
What will you do with your extra time?
- Take up a new hobby. My mother decided to take up golfing. She looked for a nearby seniors group, joined, and proceeded to join the golfing group. She quickly learned the rules, and other golfers assisted her with techniques. She continued to golf until she was 78.
- Volunteer - at a church or local school
- Travel
- Join the Red Cross
- Return to school - and get another degree
- Join a book club – locally or online
- Join a local woman’s group - that periodically meets for lunch and various other fun activities, and that might work on philanthropic events
- Volunteer at a homeless shelter - to make dinners and serve.
While living in Denver, our church sponsored (the last Friday evening of the month) a meal for the homeless teen shelter called Urban Peak. We served between 30-40 youth. When it was our turn, we gathered the food donations, took them to the shelter, and served them while chatting with the youth. One particular time, when my husband and I and our two girls, Courtney (17) and Kendall (14), were serving, one young boy wore a ThunderRidge High School t-shirt. That is where my girls went to High School. Kendall noticed and said, “I go to high school there.”
He replied, “I used to.” It broke our hearts, and we had long conversations about his circumstances.
To try to stay fit, my husband and I learned how to play pickleball and joined a group that plays twice weekly. If you’re interested in that sport, check out YouTube, where you can find instructions and watch others play the game.
Check out these websites for more information.
- https://www.greatseniorliving.com/articles/what-to-do-in-retirement
- https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/slideshows/12-ways-retirees-spend-their-newfound-free-time?slide=9
- https://www.actsretirement.org/retirement-resources/resources-advice/what-to-do-in-retirement/
- https://www.newretirement.com/retirement/what-to-do-in-retirement/
I hope everyone welcomes March with open arms as Spring is just around the corner. The return to Daylight Savings Time is also lurking around the corner. The animals begin waking up from hibernation. Spring Break for schools usually happens this month. But the most memorable thing is that I met my husband on St. Patrick’s Day – March 17th!
Enjoy the blooming flowers and warmer temperatures.
All my best,
Julie
Throw Kindness Around Like Confetti