By Rita Wilkins
The Downsizing Designer

Isn’t it interesting that for years you’ve looked forward to retirement? You’ve planned for it.

You get excited at the thought of new adventures ahead, a new lifestyle that might include sleeping in, controlling your own schedule, and having time to do what you want when you want.

• You’ve even prepared your home for a simpler life in retirement.

• You’ve decluttered your basement, your attic, your garage, and every single closet.

• You’ve got rid of those boxes that have been sitting around for years.

• You’ve pared down all of your things to only what you need, use, and love.

It might’ve taken a while to get it all done, but it was worth it!

You’re now reaping the benefits of life after decluttering.

But then as the time comes closer and retirement is just around the corner, you start to have second thoughts:

• Are you doing the right thing?

• What will you do with all of that extra time?

• Will you get bored?

• What will give your life meaning and purpose if you’re not working?

Does this sound familiar to you?

Are you getting cold feet when it comes to starting a whole new life in retirement? 

If you are, you’re not alone. One of the biggest challenges that baby boomers face is how to start over when they retire.

Just for a moment, think back on your own life, and remind yourself of how many other life changes and transitions you’ve already successfully maneuvered.

• Single to married life
• Married back to single life
• No kids to having kids
• Having kids at home to empty nest

You might also have had to deal with other life changes such as:

• Loss of a job, loss of a parent, caregiving for a parent

All of these life changes have given you plenty of experience. Each one of these life events required you to change, adapt, learn, and grow.

Starting over in retirement is just one more opportunity to begin again. And this time, you might even consider it a catalyst to reimagine and reinvent yourself and your lifestyle so you can live your best life yet!

Check out Rita’s Top Lifestyle Book Recommendations from Amazon.

Starting over in retirement is an opportunity for you to reassess your life.

• What’s working, and what’s not working?
• What do you want more of?
• What do you want less of?

Starting over in retirement is an opportunity for you to reevaluate your priorities.

Take time to discern what’s most important to you now at this time of your life.

• Live closer to your kids and grandkids so you’ll be able to participate in their lives.
• Travel to places you’ve been dreaming of for a very long time.
• Write that book, take those classes, whatever it is that’s been on your list.

As our lives change so do our priorities and our goals.

And the reality is… we’re living longer.

We’re not done yet!

We want to make the most of the years we have left on this earth

• to find meaning, purpose, and fulfillment,
• to be productive and useful,
• to leave an impact.

So, it’s time to celebrate and get excited about a new life in retirement.

Rather than being afraid of change, think of this stage of life as an adventure, as an opportunity to create the life, you’ve always wanted.

Here are a few ideas that will help you prepare for the ride of your life!

1. Put yourself out there!

• Reconnect with old friends, and make new ones.

You’ll now have more time to grow and nurture those friendships.

2. Get moving, get healthy!

• Walk, run, play pickle ball, golf, and do yoga.

Whatever activity you choose, you’ll now have more time in your schedule to make it happen.

3. Do something new every single day

• Walk a new pathway
• Challenge yourself to join a group that interests you
• Try a new recipe

Doing something new each day will challenge you to keep yourself and your brain active and you never know what you might discover!

4. Never stop learning!

You might have always wanted to learn to play an instrument. Now you have time.

You might have been wanting to learn a new language and learn to tap dance, now you have time to learn and grow.

5. Travel… a lot!

So many places to go. Get out of your bucket list. Start checking it off now that you have time.

Each one of these ideas will get you going, and get you engaged. Once you start, there will be no stopping you!

Create your own list of ideas for how you can live out the vision for a fun, exciting, fulfilling, and meaningful life in retirement.

Email me at ritawilkins@ritawilkins.com. I’d love to see what’s on your list!

VISIT OUR ONLINE SHOP

Follow me on social media for more updates:

YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | TWITTER