Reaching a Milestone

Hello and Good Day! Thanks for taking a moment to stop by ‘Terry’s Thoughts,’ it is always appreciated!

Today’s article marks a milestone in my writings… it’s the 50th article!

When my Son, (Justin), recommended I write about my experiences, challenges obstacles, lessons-learned and revelations during my transition to retirement. I thought good idea…how much could I (really) write about?!

Well, here we are, 50 articles in!

If You have been following along, You know I have re-phrased the term of retirement to ‘Encore.’ We have stepped through quite the examination of many aspects influencing an adjustment/transition to this life moment following the (work/career) life.

We examined when the career structure disappears, so does the routine, the goals, and often the sense of identity we built for decades.

We addressed and cautioned against (maybe) a loss of identity, routine, and goals which may impact our sense of self-worth, leaving us feeling rudderless, or even struggling with what to do next.

But here’s the good news: this potential for a feeling of emptiness which may follow giving up the work life doesn’t have to be what the final chapter of retirement becomes. You can fill it with new purpose, connection, and joy!

It just takes leaning into the right kinds of activities, hobbies —the ones that don’t just pass the time but actually give it meaning… because we can -and- now have the time to do things when we want, how we want and at a pace that meets our own schedule.

Retirement is not a time of life or phase to settle…we should continue to evaluate our life and realizing that there is always another level. It isn’t just about leaving a job. It’s a chance to redefine your purpose, embrace new routines and set out on a new and fulfilling chapter filled with exciting possibilities. Prepare for challenges and set-backs — but never lose sight of the freedom and opportunities retirement can offer.

What I am uncovering as a Boomer searching for purpose after retirement, know this: there’s nothing wrong with us. We’re not lost—we’re becoming.

The structure that once defined our life has dissolved, and what’s left is possibility.

I have discovered and beginning to accept (more) is to genuinely thrive in the future years, (70’s, even 80’s & 90’s), requires a kind of strategic surrender – not to age itself, rather to the habits and beliefs that quietly sabotage the possibility of a vibrant later life.

We need to accept there is not a fountain of youth, per se, (although making adjustments to our health; better diets and continued exercise are extremely important).

Longevity researchers continue to preach the quality of our later years has less to do with what You add to your life and more to do with what you’re willing to release. The researchers learned it’s important to identify the secretly destructive patterns that masquerade as wisdom, tradition, or “just the way things are” -and- have the courage to let them go.

What is out there for us is a fountain of release. It’s important to for us to understand the secret to a vibrant later life isn’t about accumulating more—more activities, more supplements, more strategies—but about letting go of the habits that weigh down the possibility of joy.

Here is my final thought for the 50th article message; the real freedom comes from no longer trusting the person we were at 30, 40, or even 60 …learn that letting go isn’t giving up—it’s growing up, even in our 60’s, 70’s, 80’s & 90’s.

Continue stepping forward in our Encore phase with enthusiasm and eagerness -and- please continue to take care of yourself, make the most of your days -and- always remember;

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