Redefining Retirement: Plan, Prepare, and Thrive

This post introduces a series about retirement, often viewed as ending one’s career, but it encompasses diverse experiences for each individual, such as new jobs, volunteer work, and personal pursuits like travel, hobbies or education. The series explores retirement preparation, identity shifts, and purposeful living.

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “retirement”? The word comes from the verb retire, which means “to go to sleep”. But most of us don’t plan to spend our retirement sleeping all day.

Most people think of retirement in terms of work. The dictionary definition is “to withdraw from one’s position or occupation; to conclude one’s working or professional career.”

But retirement is more complicated than that. I know people who retire from a career and start another which may be vastly different. Some people retire only to take a part-time job from boredom or financial necessity. Some retirees become so involved in volunteer work, they are busier than when they had a paying job.

Retirement can give you time to pursue a hobby or skill seriously, or to acquire advanced education. And who doesn’t look forward to traveling, visiting family, and exploring the world?

We may find ill health, disability, or advanced age makes working full-time or even part-time impossible. Sometimes unexpectedly, people find themselves assuming the role of caregiver in retirement, for a spouse, parent, child, or grandchild.

In other words, everyone’s retirement looks different; each is unique.

My friend Ric Shields invited me to be a guest on his DoorWays Ministry podcast series to talk about the questions that really matter when it comes to retirement.

Whether retirement is still years away, you’re getting ready for it, or you’re already a seasoned retiree, this series has something for you. We’ll explore how to plan, prepare, and thrive in whatever season of life you’re in.

  • How do you know when you’re ready to retire?
  • Can you actually afford to retire?
  • What happens to your sense of purpose and identity when work is no longer at the center of your life?
  • Where should you live, and what do you want to leave behind for the people you love?

The series also covers navigating family responsibilities, finding purpose in your next chapter, and protecting yourself and your family from the people who try to take advantage of older adults.

It’s about more than retirement. It’s about making the most of what comes next. Because getting older doesn’t mean your purpose is behind you.

You can access all the episodes at this link, and I will post them here on the blog and on Facebook. I hope you will share them widely.

In my episode, Ric and I discuss the HEART of purpose in retirement. It airs in two weeks.

Listen here as Ric introduces the series.

Prepare

Before you listen to any of the podcast episodes, take time to think about what retirement means to you now.

If you are already retired, how is it going? What do you like about it? What would you want to change?

If you aren’t retired, what thoughts or plans have you made about the future? What fears do you have? What goals do you have?

Keep these thoughts in mind as we walk through this series together. Remember, on this blog we find information and inspiration to learn, plan, prepare, and thrive through life’s challenges.

Exploring the HEART of Health

Thank you for reading this post. Please follow this blog and me on social media.

I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha

Celebrating Culture, History, and Nature

I’m sharing a post from my archives about Watercress use in Native American Culture. This blog isn’t about watercress, but the name fits my original family name Cress. And watercress reflects this blog’s theme of wellness. You’ll learn more in this post.

The United States has chosen the second Monday of October to observe two pieces of history and culture in North America.

The date recognizes the historical day that Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas, sparking further European exploration and colonization. The annual October Columbus Day Parade in New York City is a vibrant tribute to Italian American culture and heritage.

On the same day, many communities will observe Indigenous Peoples Day. In Oklahoma City, First Americans Museum (FAM) observes Indigenous Peoples Day, one of FAM’s largest annual community celebrations. Each year, nearly 3,000 guests gather on the museum campus to celebrate Indigenous cultures, traditions, and communities.

This year’s theme, Sovereignty in Motion, celebrates the many ways Indigenous people keep culture moving forward through creativity, movement, storytelling, humor, and community.

I’m sharing a post from my archives about Watercress use in Native American Culture. This blog isn’t about watercress, but the name fits my original family name Cress. And watercress reflects this blog’s theme of wellness. You’ll learn more in this post.

The Rich History of Watercress in Native American Culture

Exploring the HEART of Health

Thank you for reading this post. Please follow this blog and me on social media.

I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha