You may live with yourself, but there are always new things to learn. New foods to eat. New experiences to try. New aspects of yourself to discover that you were previously unaware of. The best way to live is to be excited to meet these new aspects of who you are, to explore, and to treat yourself to new things.
There is never a better time to really commit to this journey of self-discovery than your retirement. You are, after all, shedding what was once one of the key facets to who you are. It doesn’t matter if you never identified who you are with what you do; working full time was a big part of your life, and now that it is gone, there is room for self-discovery on a scale you previously could never commit to.
Your retirement should be a love letter to yourself, it should be a period full of self-discovery, and with this guide, you can get your journey started on the right foot.
Start by Trying a Little of Everything
You have had a lifetime to explore and learn about what you like, even if you never before had the time to truly engage with those interests. Now that you are retired, it’s time to try them all out. You won’t stick with everything, and that is okay. Take classes, sign up for opportunities, and put yourself out there. Do this as soon as you retire so that you can build a great, new routine for yourself.
Tip: Try to sign up for in-person classes and online classes. This way, you can really learn what you want to on your schedule and to your budget.
Be Mindful of Your Health and Needs
Bodies age, and their needs grow. While some retirees live independently until the end, others need extra assistance. Rather than see this as a failure, think of it as the opportunity it is. A great senior living community will provide you with everything from a community to activities to great food and excellent care. Even if you don’t yet need assisted living, finding the community you would want, should the time come, early on is a great way to ease your way into your golden years with full confidence.
Volunteer and Give Back
Giving back is a great way to feel fulfilled and to really do something meaningful with your retirement. You can give financially or by volunteering your time. This is an excellent way to reconnect with your community and to do something selfless. Many people find volunteering extremely rewarding, and it is a great place to discover more about yourself and your role within the world.
Travel the World
Travel is the world teaching you through experience. You can make plans yourself and go on trips with your loved ones. You can book a spot on a planned trip. Whatever option you choose, try to get out there. There is no better way to learn about who you are and to love yourself and the world than by traveling.
