Hello and Good Day! We are in to February already -and- I hope your new year continues to provide You with great days and moments!
It’s difficult to believe I am beginning the 4th year of my Encore Life! I must admit, it does not seem like it was “just yesterday.” It feels a bit more like I have been living in this phase of my Life for quite some time. The past 3 years have gone quickly, no doubt -and- they have been wonderful years that have been extremely enjoyable, provided several challenges, (as I have covered in past articles), and provided opportunities to develop and strengthen who I am and to be at my personal best at this time of Life!
The Encore does challenge us to define a new identity- something that is often missing in retirement. There is a common assumption that as people become older, we get more conservative – protecting what we have. We need to think about protecting what we have. However, during this Encore phase of life we must also consider stepping out of the comfort zone when presented -and- allow ourself the opportunity to experience and grow!
Retirement isn’t just about having time, it’s about making that time count. Preparing for a fulfilling retirement isn’t just about saving money. It’s a deeper game that requires introspection and change. You may need to release yourself of certain habits if You want to truly enjoy your post-work life.
We have a vision of what retirement should be or will be. For many of us this vision was framed from our (personal) experience of witnessing the retirement life of our Family, Friends and work colleagues.
When I began my Encore phase of life in January, 2022, I had no vision to what this phase of life would be for me & Denise except to enjoy more time Together, continue to enjoy our Children and GrandChildren grow up -and- spending more time with Family and close Friends.
When I first retired, I thought my best days were behind me. The idea of endless free time sounded great on paper, but in reality, it felt a little concerning; how do I fill all the days/weeks/months ahead since there were no more deadlines, no more colleagues to chat with over coffee, no clear sense of purpose. I worried the days might stretch into boredom -or- I would drive Denise crazy always being around (lol — although Denise may tell You I do drive her crazy! )
You are no longer tied to a schedule or responsibilities, which sound amazing—until You realize what to do with all that freedom.
But here’s the thing—retirement isn’t the end of something. It was the (new) beginning. It does take a little rethinking, (and a few missteps), to figure out how to make it the most joyful and fulfilling chapter of your life.
Looking back now, I realize that with an open mind, I would be able to turn the time into something vibrant and meaningful.
This “freedom” provides You with the possibility to explore new passions, pick up old hobbies You never had time for, or even just spend your days doing the things that make You the happiest!
The key was to stop thinking of retirement as an ending and start treating it like an opportunity—a second act where You get to write the script, on your terms and time!
Sometimes You have to walk away from how You thought it would be and live in how it is. When struggling to appreciate your progress, consider how your past self would view your current achievements. If You knew 5yrs ago what You would have accomplished now, how proud would You have been?
One of the most surprising things is You might discover after retiring is how much You missed feeling useful.
Don’t get me wrong, the slower pace at first is enjoyable, but after a while, it can start to feel like something is missing.
A key to our Encore years is to commit to life long learning and make it a priority. There are enough studies to highlight that learning something new can actually help keep your brain healthier as you age.
Another key component will be to define success on your own terms. For most of our life, success was measured by promotions, deadlines, and the constant hustle of work. When retired, that structure disappears and without those external markers, how do know what You are doing is enough?
One thought; Albert Einstein stated; “… strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.”
Here’s how I now define success: live in alignment with my perceived potential and be seen and valued for those things I value in myself!
It took some reflection, but eventually, I realized that retirement wasn’t about checking off boxes anymore—it was about defining what success meant to me personally.
It becomes more important, (as compared to when working), to let go of society’s expectations and focusing on what truly brings You joy and fulfillment. This will permit You to discover a deeper sense of satisfaction than maybe You ever had before.
I’m discovering that aligning your self-identity with your life structure is crucial and can mean creating a day-to-day retirement life that fits your current values, interests, relationships, and motivations. The goal is to understand/appreciate who You are, (your current needs, priorities, and passions), with how You spend your time and energy in the Encore phase of life.
Any large-scale life change can be a significant shock to the system, and a purpose-filled retirement doesn’t just happen of its own accord. Start by aligning your life around what truly matters to You, then build awareness of your current lifestyle and where You may need more balance or connection. Then, assert yourself to shape your days with intention, being willing to adapt when life’s unpredictability demands it. With the right approach, You might just begin to live a regret-free retirement.
Please continue to take care and make the most of your days!
“Never quit searching, never settle and never give up seeking your greater purpose!“
Terry's Thoughts 
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