The Encore Phase Redefining Us

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Hello and Good Day! Thank You for stopping by to check out another article, it’s always appreciated!

Denise and I enjoyed a wonderful week in Gulf Shores, AL last week, ( Thanks to our gracious Friends/Neighbors, Pam & Don, for the use of their condo). We had not vacationed at the beach for quite a number of years. The weather was not perfect but Denise and I don’t need perfect weather to enjoy our days when on vacation. However, Mother Nature did provide a couple of great days and we did soak up the sun — felt real good to feel the sunshine, get a little tan -and- listen to the waves while having our toes in the sand!

We drove to Gulf Shores -and- during the drive I was reminded of this quote from Tim Grover’s book; ‘Relentless;’ “if You want to go somewhere new, You have to throw out the tired, old road map and stop traveling the same road to the same dead end.”

Whether planning for, just entering or living the Encore phase of life it is important to consider the novelty of being on “permanent vacation” could begin to wear off. You may miss the sense of identity, meaning, and purpose that came with your job, the structure it gave your days, or the social aspect of having co-workers.

If you want a fulfilling life during this Encore phase of life, You should plan to continue seeking your greater purpose in life -and- explore new opportunities within your days that You could not examine when working.

Each day is going to be a new beginning, nothing lasts forever—nor would we want it to be. Instead, we have to accept change, if not embrace it. We have to accept that none of us maintain anything or any form forever. Instead, we are transitioning, always—some quickly, some more slowly.

Think of retirement as a journey rather than a destination. Allow yourself time to figure everything out—You can always change direction if necessary. You can also adjust your attitude by focusing on what you’re gaining, rather than the things you’re losing.

Life is a mission, not a career. We each have a unique mission. The most important contributions are ahead of us – this thinking keeps us alive, and gives us purpose and meaning in our life every day.

I don’t recall where I read this quote; “Don’t seek for everything to happen as you wish it would, but rather wish that everything happens as it actually will – then your life will flow well.”

This notion serves as a gentle nudge, reminding us of the preciousness of every moment. It urges us not merely to exist but to truly live, to seize each day and extract its full potential. It’s saying don’t let a new day come and go without making something of it.

We can feel quilty of being idle. We wonder if we’re being reckless for pursuing something that has no purpose. And while those are fair concerns, they missed the potential upside that we can get from that time.

You may have already achieved many of your professional goals in life, but it’s important to keep setting yourself new ones to strive towards during our Encore phase. Having goals can energize You, provide a sense of purpose, and help to redefine your identity. Set goals that challenge and excite You and keep You moving forward in life. You can focus more on your own hopes and dreams

Our Encore phase allows us the freedom to exercise a willingness to shift, stretch ourselves and continue to evolve. We can also let go of the rigid expectations we might have held and respond with curiosity and creativity -and- make space for new growth in our life!

Please continue to take care and make the most of your days -and- always remember;

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