If you have prudently saved for requirement, and are now making your withdrawals and collecting Social Security, life needs to be more than just golf, fishing, travel, helping with grand children and so on.
The author suggests that you do the four things each day to improve your life. The biggest problem is not running out of money or making financial mistakes. The big problem is lack of meaning and living your life fully and being who you were meant to be. Retirement gives you one last change to do that thing and not have regret.
- Contribution – make a contribution back to others with a kind word, smile or greeting. Tell people thanks or compliment what they did. People like to know they matter. You can volunteer, mentor someone, or donate to a charity.
- Creativity – learn something new like painting, woodworking, learning a language or playing an instrument. It could include creating and publishing a blog, gardening, straightening your garage or basement. You’ll get a feeling of accomplishment. What matters is seeing your progress each day. You are moving forward.
- Connection – stay in touch with family and friends. We are part of something bigger than ourselves. Pray or meditate in a quiet time during the day. Join a club or an organization that aligns with your beliefs and efforts and a common interest. The quality of the connection affects the quality of our lives.
- Exercise – even if this is new to you or are a gym rat or fitness fan, you must do your best to stay healthy and mobile. You can do this at home with Apple Fitness+ which has many exercises you can follow along with on your device or join a gym or exercise group with a friend. Avoid lengthy periods of sitting. Exercise and moving can be an anti-depressant as it release dopamine and serotonin which are mood elevators. Set a goal of an hour a day. Start easy if this is new to you and try some group overuse such as yoga, tai chi, paddleball, swimming or just walking.
As a personal note, I would add a few minutes to reflect on being grateful. You’ve made it this far, so think, Life is Good.
I realize that sometimes circumstances are not the same for us all. Some had financial misfortune and loss of health or death of a loved one. But, try to be grateful for what you do have.
Source: https://youtu.be/t677JN6t4Cc?si=4meOlqqLuXzVcWu3