Retire Artfully

Growth shouldn’t stop (or start) at retirement.

Try something new that stretches you like taking an art class, eating out solo, public speaking, maybe even online dating.

Or, perhaps you’ve always wanted to start writing a blog, explore cooking desserts, or volunteer teaching.

No risk, no reward, right?

What have you thought about learning or growing into?

Let’s all say it together: Retirement is not an end. It’s the beginning.

What do you want this time to stand for?

Maybe it’s about freedom, creativity, family, or giving back. Capture your goals in a short “Retirement Mission Statement” to guide your days.

Fun idea: decide what you want to call this time of life. Are you in “refirement”, “the back 9”, “the top of the 6th inning” or something else?

Figuring out what you’ll name this time period might also help you figure out your mission.

Curiosity keeps you young.

Ask your kids, grandkids, your friend's kids, younger coworkers, or mentees what they’re excited about. What music do they love? How do they connect? What gives them hope?

You’ll be amazed at how much you learn, too.

What’s something new a younger person has taught you lately?

You live somewhere, but have you really made time to explore it?

How do you answer your out of town guests when they ask “Where are the most interesting places to go?” Figure that out by going local. Visit your farmers markets, sign up or volunteer at local events, or attend community activities and concerts.

When you spend time in the place you call home, you’ll see it with fresh eyes and meet people who share your spark.

What’s one local gem you’ve been meaning to try out?

Not every social connection has to start big.

Say yes to coffee with a neighbor. Maybe go to a trivia night with a current or former co-worker. Or even, try attending a friend’s book club. Not only might you enjoy a book you’ve never heard of, but you might also learn something new and/or meet someone interesting too.

Your little yes’s can build your community and open up new friendships.

Challenges don’t just have to come just from work.

Pick a a personal challenge that excites or intrigues you…like 100 days of sketching, or try 30 new recipes or 60 days of one-mile walks.

Want something a bit more challenging? Try doing a sit-up or crunch (or push-up) for every year you’re alive. Or perhaps balance on one foot for a second for every year of life. I bet you can.

The goal is to stay engaged and prove to yourself that growth can be fun.

What kind of challenge will you try this week?

Exercise doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

Spend a quick 10 minutes trying something new this week: yoga, dance, stretching, balance exercises, or even gardening.

Movement is good not only for your body but your mind as well. What could you do in the next 10 minutes?

Instead of resolutions, choose a value or word to shape your season.

Curiosity. Mindful. Intentional. Experience. Connection.

Let your word of choice remind you for what this time is really about. This focus can also help guide you with your decisions.

What word(s) can you think of to help you define this season?

Instead of trying to plan everything all at once (aka the rest of your life), pick 2-3 anchors to give your days a rhythm and some structure. Take a morning walk, have your coffee or tea outside, or spend 5-7 minutes journaling. The key here is to make them doable and easily repeatable. What could be a daily anchor for you?

The happiest and most successful retirees have “practiced being retired” before they actually stop working. Take a long staycation and do a “pretend retirement”. Spend a week or more living as if you’re retired. No work emails, No obligations. Notice what energizes you and what feels empty. What surprised you most about your “practice week”?

Moving closer and closer to fall chicken-hood? Now is the best time to reconnect with your younger self. What were your dreams? Who did you want to become? What did you always want to do before life got in the way? Now, write a “to reconsider” list of all those activities your spring chicken self was so excited about. Finish it off by researching all the ways you might “actually do them this time” in retirement.

There's still time to register. Your group workshop starts this Thurs, Sept 25! Looking for a discount?? DM us to get %45 off.