We all know the word retirement, but what does it really entail. I’m about to research the what is, why, and how’s of the one word that is an achievement for all of us “Golden Agers”.
Retirement is the freedom that is sought after around 30 years of the Monday through Friday routine of getting up to an alarm clock, showering, dashing out the door and driving to the place called “WORK”. No matter where the work was for you, it identified you as the boss, the vice president, the associate or the co-worker. You had an identity. That is now gone. Hey, now this retirement thing is a Life changer. You may become sad, because you have lost that identity. You may become lost for something to fill all those new hours that belong solely to you. Don’t feel bad if you need to talk to someone about your anxiety or stress. It happens more than you think.
Our job gave us the ability to earn monies for raising a family, taking great vacations, paying for the kid’s college and investing in the future. Retirement IS the future and you are living it now! Hopefully, you did invest wisely and received high interest rates and stashed extra, (who had extra?) stashed some away for unfortunate emergencies. Now that you have the government’s Social Security benefit monthly check, you still need to save a bit, but also know that you have earned the ability to enjoy your golden years.
There are many ways to fill those hours in the day. Set small goals to attain. Maybe start a new hobby like I did selling Sports Cards on Ebay or take a liking to walking the dog. It not only gives you fresh air but gives you exercise to boot! Plan for even more exercise if only a few days a week. Make new friends at the gym. Keep in touch with the old friends by meeting for lunch every couple of weeks or join a club that meets once a month. Your social life is very important during these years. Remember that people live longer when there is laughter and friends around.
Travel time is now! Make it a reality! Go to all those destinations you dreamt about. See the world, go on a safari, take that trip to Alaska. Eat the food, see the sites and take loads of pictures. These are tomorrow’s memories.
So you see, retirement is more than a word. It’s your current life, so kick up your heels, dance till 11PM, pamper yourself. You have earned it! GEORGIANN
