Hello… hope You enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday -and- special moments with your Family and Friends!
As we move (quickly) to the upcoming Holiday Season with all the hustle and bustle please remember to stop, take a few moments to enjoy and cherish the joy of the Holiday Season!
Now, on to the thoughts behind today’s article.
Retirement is one of those life changes we just can’t wait to arrive at following all our working years. Yet, as I have been living these early ‘Encore’ years, there are some realities that only hit home once we are actually in the moment. Sure, we plan for it, but some things just can’t be fully understood until we are living them. Whether counting down the days or already in your ‘Encore’ phase, here are a few things to be prepared to grasp once retired.
Times feel different…
When we retire, time takes on a whole new meaning. Suddenly, weeks don’t revolve around Monday meetings, conference calls and deadlines. We may lose track of what day it is or wonder how we ever managed to cram so much into such a small amount of time. According to a 2019 study by Stanford University’s Center on Longevity, “retirees often experience a shift in how they perceive time, which can be both freeing and bewildering. It’s about adjusting to a new rhythm and finding the right balance between relaxation and activity.”
Some days might feel longer, and that’s not always a bad thing. We now will have the time to manage the day the way we intend it to be, not as others schedule for us, (except for maybe, your Spouse or Partner creating a much larger “honey do list”). However, we must be careful because although it is great not to have a schedule, we will want to develop a purposeful routine. It can be easy to fall into a routine that feels unproductive.
Ironically, even in retirement, having some form of routine can be incredibly beneficial. Without the structure of a job, it can be easy to feel adrift, but establishing a routine provides a sense of stability. It doesn’t have to be rigid—just something simple to guide our days. Whether it’s a morning walk, regular exercise, or a weekly class, these touchstones can help anchor us. A routine can give us something to look forward to and bring a sense of normalcy to our life.
The key is finding a balance that works for You—whether that’s setting new goals or simply letting go of the need for a packed schedule. It’s our time now, and we get to decide how to spend it.
The social circle become smaller…
We may not have realized how much of our social life was tied to work until we retire. Those daily interactions with colleagues and the occasional after-work gatherings are suddenly gone. We might feel a little boredom slipping in and the need to feel a void. While this can be daunting, it’s also an opportunity to reconnect with old friends or make new ones. It can feel like starting over, but with a lifetime of experience to guide us.
Our social life becomes more intentional, focusing on relationships that truly matter to us. We can choose to spend time with people who genuinely enrich our life. It’s a chance to deepen existing friendships and explore interests with like-minded individuals. The shift can be refreshing and rewarding if we approach it with an open mind
Begin to focus more and spend more time on our health…
It’s important to move health to the forefront of our priorities even if we have had a strong, regular workout routine. We have more (free) time to devote to our health. Without the daily grind, we have more time to focus on maintaining or improving our well-being. Suddenly, those exercise plans take center stage because we realize how much they contribute to our quality of life. It’s about creating a lifestyle that supports our longevity and happiness.
We might even find that we have more energy to dedicate to physical activity or mental health practices like meditation. Staying healthy becomes a proactive, rather than reactive, part of our life. It’s about taking control and making choices that benefit us in the long run.
Reshaping our Identity beyond our career…
For many of us, our careers were a big part of our personal identity. When we retire, that aspect of who we are suddenly shifts, and it can feel disorienting. According to psychologists transitions like retirement can lead to an identity crisis as we search for new ways to define ourself. It’s about finding fulfillment and purpose outside of our previous job title. Whether that’s through hobbies, volunteer work, or Family, the journey can be both challenging and rewarding.
We should want to take a moment to explore our passions that were sidelined during our working years. Whether it is writing, painting, learning to play an instrument, or just spending more time outside, these activities can help us redefine who we are. Our ‘Encore’ provides the space to try new things and even reinvent ourself if we choose. Remember, our worth isn’t tied to what we did for a living but to the person we are and the life we create.
Renegotiating Relationships…
Here’s one we don’t consider when planning for our retirement.
Retirement can change our relationships, especially with those we are closest to. When we are working, we have that ‘natural’ break away from our spouse, partner or family — we are not in each other’s face all the time (lol). With more time on our hands, we will find ourself spending more time with our spouse, partner or family, which can be both wonderful and challenging. It’s a period where we may need to renegotiate how we interact, give each other space and communicate with our loved ones. Learning to navigate these changes with patience and understanding is important. It’s about finding ways to interact that work for everyone involved.
We might even discover new dynamics in our relationships as we all adjust to this new stage of life. No surprise, it’s critical to maintain an open communication to address any tensions that arise and find solutions that suit everyone. It’s a chance to redefine our relationships and explore new ways of connecting. This can lead to stronger bonds and a deeper appreciation for one another. Retirement provides the opportunity to spend quality time with those we love.
Finding Purpose…
One of the challenges of retirement is finding a new sense of purpose after leaving the workforce. It’s a time to explore our passions more and what truly makes us happy. Without the role of a job to define us, it becomes an opportunity to create a life that aligns with your values and interests. This might mean pursuing a lifelong dream, engaging in volunteer work, or even starting a small business. Purpose doesn’t have to be grand; it just needs to be meaningful to us.
Finding purpose can enhance our sense of fulfillment and make our retirement years truly rewarding. Our ‘Encore’ should be a continuation of our personal journey that can lead to growth and satisfaction. Remember, our ‘Encore’ is a new chapter, and we have the power to write it in a way that resonates with who we are.
Let Go Of the Past…
Here was a tough one for me during the second year of my ‘Encore.’
Retirement is a great time to let go of regrets that no longer serve us. It’s an opportunity to make peace with the past and focus on the present and future. You might find that, without the stress of a job, it’s easier to reflect on and resolve lingering issues. Emotional baggage weighs us down, so shedding it can be incredibly liberating. It’s about embracing change and moving forward with a lighter heart.
This process can be therapeutic and lead to more meaningful personal growth. By letting go of the past, we can create space for new experiences and opportunities. It allows us to approach life with a fresh perspective and renewed energy. It’s not about forgetting but rather accepting and learning from what came before. This mindset can make our ‘Encore’ years more joyful and fulfilling, opening us up to the possibilities that lie ahead
The Joy Of Simple Pleasures…
In our ‘Encore,’ we should want to find joy in the simple things in life that may have gone unnoticed during our busy working years. Whether it’s a quiet morning coffee, walks in the park or your neighborhood, or a good book, these small moments can bring immense satisfaction. Begin to appreciate the beauty in everyday occurrences and the freedom to enjoy them at our own pace. It’s about slowing down and savoring life’s little joys. This newfound appreciation can bring a deep sense of contentment.
Simple pleasures can have a big impact on our overall happiness. They’re easy to overlook when we were caught up in the hustle and bustle of a career. Our ‘Encore’ should offer us the chance to slow down and really notice these moments. It’s about living in the present and finding happiness in the here and now. Embracing these simple joys can make our ‘Encore’ years some of the most rewarding.
Continue stepping forward in the ‘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!“
Terry's Thoughts 
Leave a comment