Can’t Go Back…And You Should Not Want To

Hello and Good Day

Hope You are doing well today -and- as always, greatly appreciate You taking the time to check-in and read the article! Also, hope You and your Family enjoyed a Wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday -and- now preparing for this Holiday Season!

Just as this 2024 Holiday Season is quickly approaching Us, so is the end of my 3rd year of my ‘Encore’ phase of life approaching at the end of December…(and if You are a first time reader, the ‘Encore’ is my reference to retirement).

This will be my 33rd article of “Terry’s Thoughts.” I recently reviewed my past articles to recall what I have recorded on my experience of transitioning to my ‘Encore.’ It’s been an amazing time of my life -and- has challenged my limits on learning and becoming comfortable with RELEASING those disciplines I held dear to establishing my purpose during my corporate life time -and- how I managed my daily Family/work life balance during those years.

I have experienced many “ah ha moments” over the past 3 years and written about them in the previous articles. I am pleased to report I have learned, (alot), and I am continuing to adjust my behavior after accepting these truths and discoveries which were driving factors during my corporate life and positions and no longer serving me. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I believe those factors were a necessary influence on my purpose and successes during my career. However, after 3 years, I am learning although they were necessary during the career, the factors also contributed to me losing a bit of myself along the way.

This stage of life is all about freedom: fewer responsibilities, more time to focus on what truly matters, and the wisdom to appreciate it all.

But here’s the thing: some habits and behaviors can sneak in and quietly rob You of the joy and peace You deserve. If You have read my previous articles, You know I have this (bad) habit of thinking too much -and- not shutting down my mind.

A big “ah ha” moment for me; we can’t go back to change the beginning, but we can start where we are and work to change the end.

If You want this chapter of Life to be one of the best for You, it’s time to leave behind anything that no longer serves You.

As we age, it’s easy to fall into the trap of reminiscing about the good old days. The times when we were younger, things seemed simpler, and perhaps we felt more vital.

But here’s the thing  living in the past can rob you of the joy of the present.

It’s not about erasing your past, but rather not allowing it to overshadow your current life. Our future, can be filled with new experiences, growth, and joy if you allow them to be. We still have a lot of living left to do. Don’t let your past hold you back!

It’s easy to get so caught up in what’s already happened—or what might happen tomorrow. We miss out on the life happening right now. The present moment is all we truly have, yet it’s often the first thing we overlook. Also, if we focus too much on yesterday’s regrets or tomorrow’s uncertainties, we rob ourself of the joy and connection that’s right in front of us!

Don’t underestimate the power behind a casual chat with a someone You have not spoken with for some time, picking up a new hobby you’ve been meaning to try, or even a quiet afternoon walk in the park or your neighborhood. These small, seemingly ordinary moments are what make life meaningful.

It’s all about grounding yourself in the here and now. In a world that’s always rushing, taking a moment to slow down and be present can make a world of difference. I learned this the hard way.

I’m sure You have experienced days that felt like a blur. Work, errands, social commitments – it was a never-ending cycle. All this generated stress, becoming disconnected, and yes, prematurely aging us.

It’s very important to tune yourself into be more Mindful. You don’t need to take up meditating or doing yoga, (though those can certainly help). Denise and I have added yoga to our workout routine -and- I must admit, it works!

It’s about truly experiencing each moment as it happens, without judgment or distraction.

Once upon a time, it was thought that retirement would mean slowing down. I did not necessarily picture myself slowing down completely, aka sitting on the porch, watching the world go by, playing it safe, (although, it is nice to know You can do this if You like). When You reach your ‘Encore,’ keep the movement forward with trying new things or stepping out of your comfort zone. The world is filled with opportunities for us to explore and enjoy.

Just like playing safe, striving for perfection an often do more harm than good. Perfection is an unattainable standard that can leave us feeling perpetually dissatisfied with our achievements.

During our ‘Encore’ it’s time to embrace the beauty of imperfection. It’s time to celebrate our flaws, our mistakes, and our failures. Because these are what make us uniquely us. Remember, life doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. Our ‘Encore’ can be a time of profound joy and fulfillment, even with all its imperfections.

Every year we live is another chapter in our story, filled with lessons, growth, and experiences that younger generations haven’t had the chance to gain yet.

There is plenty of research that shows that people who have a positive attitude toward aging tend to live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. Those who view aging as a time of opportunity and growth are more likely to maintain better physical health, stay mentally sharp, and engage socially.

Do not view this phase of life as we are just aging, and it’s a bad thing. If we do, it can steal our joy and limit our potential. Don’t start holding back from trying new things or pursuing passions because it’s “too late.”

This stage of life is just as full of opportunities as any other. It’s a chance to embrace freedom, explore interests, and share your wisdom with others

As we age, it’s essential to prioritize our well-being, both physical and emotional and to let go of what no longer serves us to embrace change with an open heart.

Remember, this ‘Encore’ phase of life is a phase of life filled with potential for growth, joy, and fulfillment. It’s really more about what we do to ourselves than it is what the world does to us.

Life is your ultimate creative act!

Remember, to make the most of your days -and-

“Never quit searching, never settle and never give up seeking your greater purpose!“