I recently attended a party celebrating the retirement of a long-time friend and business associate. Knowing that I was already enjoying retirement, his daughter sought me out and said, “I hope Dad can learn how to retire. Maybe you could offer him some advice.” Although it took me a few days to respond to her request, I ultimately did send him the note pictured in this post: Try Something New, Date Your Wife, Remain Connected, and Find Joy Every Day.
Try Something New:
My retirement brought me the time and opportunity to embrace my life-long passion for writing. Since my retirement from clinical practice in 2012, I’ve written and posted more than one-hundred original blogs on multiple topics (available at www.kerrspeak.com) and have published seven books sharing advice on practice management, life skills, and stories of inspiration. Writing meaningful commentary to enhance the quality of life for others has given me great purpose.
Date Your Wife (spouse or significant other):
It’s important to recognize that the dynamics of a marriage can be impacted by retirement. As a busy practitioner, my wife and I rarely had lunch together, nor did our lifestyle include dining out. We still don’t dine out (grilling at home is more fun and far less expensive), but we do run errands together and often enjoy stopping by Chick-Fil-A for a lunchtime treat. Additionally, we’re actively involved with our local theater, and help produce five shows each year.
Remain Connected:
Man is a social animal and was never intended to live in isolation. Leaving the office doesn’t mean losing contact with your fellow man. Maintain your friendships and make it a point to schedule activities together. Work for a common purpose as a volunteer for a local organization, teach Sunday school, sing in the choir, or join a book club. Develop an online presence to keep up with former classmates and friends. Remaining connected enhances your mental wellness, extends your life, and adds joy to every day.
Find Joy Every Day:
Local radio personality and financial advisor, Wes Moss, wrote a best-selling book entitled “You Can Retire Sooner Than You Think.” One of the five tenants he highlights for “happy retirees” includes the importance of embracing “core pursuits.” Simply stated, core pursuits are those activities that bring you joy: reading, gardening, hiking, biking, camping, traveling, sight-seeing, fishing, golfing, crafts, hobbies, family time, and others.
Retirement is an important part of life’s journey and should be a time of enjoyment as well as a reward for a life well-lived. These recommendations were simply my attempt to share personal advice with my good friend as he left the workforce after a long and successful career. As you consider your own retirement, make a list of those things which are important to you (and your life’s partner) and be ready to pursue them. Above all else, retire “to” something. Purpose is important! Good luck, and all the best.
“There’s never enough time to do all the nothing you want.“
Bill Waterson, creator of Calvin and Hobbes
