Here’s an edited piece I recently wrote in a FB Closed Group about preparing for retirement.
1. Figure out your purpose in this next stage of life. This is important as a number of Types A’s identity are so intimately identified to job, role and work circles, that they may go adrift come retirement.
2. Strengthening bonds with family and loved ones should become a priority in retirement. They are the ones who will shed tears at your funeral. They are the ones who will cherish memories of you. Many of your friends will not feel that deeply. Know the few friends who will, and treat them like family.
3. It’s easy to fill up our calendars with cherished or long wished-for pursuits or activities (e.g. travel, reading, golfing, etc). What is more difficult is determining the circle of friends that you want to strengthen the bonds with. Many in the work circles may not wish to continue the connections (and this could be mutual). So, finding friends that one can retire gracefully with, is an often over-looked task. This gets complicated if one downsizes or relocates to a totally different locale. But the beauty of that different locale is the beginning of a new adventure, finding new circles of friends that align, complement or broaden one’s outlook on life.
4. Consider volunteering, and giving back. Focusing one’s energy on continuing to make money part time, on the side, diminishes one’s heart. A very poor legacy for children and grandchildren.
We have but one life.
Journey Within 