You don’t have to wait. You can start today.
If you have prudently saved for retirement, 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.
Consider these 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. Do you look at service personnel in the eye and say thank you when they serve you? It’s a little thing but means a lot. People like to know they matter. You can volunteer 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 or join a gym or exercise group with a friend. Avoid lengthy periods of sitting. Take a few minutes to stand, walk around go up and down some stairs, do some squats. Exercise and moving can be an anti-depressant as it release dopamine and serotonin which are mood elevators. Start with a goal of an hour a day or if that’s too much do 30 minutes. Start easy if this is new to you and try some group exercises such as yoga, tai chi, paddleball, doubles tennis or just walking with a friend. Don’t forget fido.
As a personal note, I would add this. Take a few minutes to reflect on being grateful. You’ve made it this far, so think, Life is Good. It may not be exactly as planned, but find the good in where you are.
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.