Too Young to Retire? - Part 3
WHAT’S IN YOUR FUTURE?
Many people have begun to label this “retirement” phase of our life as the Third Age. It’s the period after the growing up years and follows the working years. The third phase is where we achieve the financial independence and have fewer, if any, of the other commitments – the kids are grown and on their own, etc.
It is in this latter part of your life that you bring the wisdom and calm to the forefront. What is it that you’ve secretly wanted to do but have not put any effort into? What are you waiting for? This is THE TIME to get started. It’s your time to shine!
You have a wide world of possibilities. Truly, you can do just about anything in this 3rd Age. This can be the most exciting and fun part of your life. How do you want to spend it?
Several years ago, as I was taking some "fun" classes at an area university, one of my classmates was a 78-year-old widow. She graduated Cum Laude! We remain friends to this day.
One of my favorite transition stories is about two neighbors. When in their 60’s, this couple decided to retire from “the rat race” and left their jobs in the finance industry. They were too energetic to truly retire and sit around, and they wanted to generate a little extra money to stretch their retirement funds.
She had always wanted to dabble in something creative and they decided to take a class on stained glass. It wasn’t long until they were hooked. Within months, they were collecting orders for holidays and birthdays. Everyone wanted some of their creations. It’s been 10 years or so now, and they continue to have so much fun. This “hobby” has now become a home-based business for them. They’ve been commissioned to do some fabulous projects for churches and to do some really creative things in the million-dollar beach homes that sit along our coast. She’s designed some original pieces and has even held her own show in a private home of one of her clients!
This year, they went on their first cruise. To celebrate her 75th birthday, my neighbor chose to go parasailing for the first time! And her husband continues to teach classes part-time at a local university. . . and lately, he’s been doing it from home – doing online classes over the Internet! For them, this has truly been a joyful, exciting ride.
What have you been curious about most of your life – but never really taken the time to explore? Or perhaps it’s something you used to do when you were younger and now would like to dive into it again with a renewed sense of grace.
If you’re reading this and you think you're way too young to fit into this "3rd Age" – you're not yet near retirement . . . guess what! Purposeful living doesn’t have to begin at the end of your working years.
You can engage in a meaningful life whenever you’re ready! It all begins with that first step: you gotta allow yourself to dream! Spend some quiet time with yourself, sipping your favorite beverage in your comfy clothes . . . in a favorite, nurturing place. Ask yourself:
What have I always wanted to do that I’ve not yet done? (List as many ideas as come to mind – even the crazy ones!) Be bold. Dream big.
Glance over the list and identify 3 items that are just pure fun and maybe one-time adventures (like sky diving, or taking a trip to Alaska). Then identify 3 items that are more long-term in nature (like taking piano or art lessons, becoming a mentor for children, writing that book you’ve always wanted to write!)
Pick one from each of those groups of 3 and ask yourself these next questions about each one:
1. What 2 things can I do this week to help me move closer to that dream?
2. When will I take these first steps (be specific)?
3. Who will I share this dream with and also ask for their help in holding me accountable?
Commit to taking these first steps to move you closer to your dreams. Then identify the next steps, and the next. Before you know it, you’ll be amazed and will surprise yourself everyday. Ah, isn’t life grand!?
Have a Golden Day!
Coach Darlene
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