Published: June 23, 2015
Have you recently retired from a long-time career? What are your plans now that you have more “free time” than you’ve ever had in a very long time? Whether you are considering an encore career, travel, or spending more time with loved ones, this is truly the time to do the things you love. It’s a time when you can develop fulfilling relationships, nurture your interests and follow your passions.
You may find that there are so many things to do, your calendar will be fuller than it was before. With less everyday stress, the sky is the limit! Here are some suggestions for things you can do during this amazing time in your life to make it even more meaningful and spectacular.
Exploring and Learning New Things
Have you always dreamed of seeing the Pyramids? Is taking in the view of Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower something you have longed to do since you were a child? Are you interested in exploring the magical sights of ancient Greece, seeking out the treasures of Sicily, or hiking trails through the Great Smoky Mountains?
Spend your retirement doing things that you have always wanted to do, but never had the time. Travel the world, explore new places and things, meet new people, enroll in art or cooking classes, learn about different cultures, master a musical instrument, or learn how to snorkel or scuba dive. Create an active lifestyle focused on exploring your interests.
If you enjoyed your career, you may find ways to stay involved, but perhaps in a different capacity. Become a consultant, coach, or mentor. For example, Robert Hill, traded in his ballet shoes for a director’s chair when he became the Artistic Director for the Orlando Ballet after he retired from dancing on the stage.
Supporting Meaningful Causes
Perhaps you have always been an advocate for promoting early childhood reading. Arrange to be the guest reader in the children’s section of your local library or volunteer to read at your grandchild’s school. Or maybe diabetes or cancer research is something that you have always wanted to invest time in. Become an advocate for the Relay for Life program to support cancer research. Your retirement is the perfect time to support causes that are meaningful to you. Getting involved and supporting such causes will not only do good for others, but it will also make you feel uplifted.
Spending Time with Loved Ones
There is nothing better than spending time with the ones that you love. How many times did work take precedence over time with family and friends in the past? Now is the time to make them a priority. Spend time with your family, nurture old friendships and create new ones. If you have children and grandchildren, have conversations with them and play with them. Enjoy new activities with your friends – both old and new. You’ll gain so much when you spend quality time with the ones that you hold dear—and so will they.
So what’s next for you? This is your time - spend it doing the things that mean the most to you, and you may find that it is really the best time of your life.
