Make it count!
I have now found myself “in that
age” group that I have been observing for many years. I have been watching and taking notes on how
different people have chosen to retire and spend the rest of their days.
Through my observations I have grouped able bodied retirees into three
categories.
1. Serve. These are the folks who most
likely will keep on working until they are called home. They may take their
social security checks, work a fun part time job, and make sure that first and
for most, they have the time to serve others in some type of capacity. They are
awarded community awards for their volunteerism, recognized at their church for
serving, are on the go constantly, overlook any aches, pains and inconveniences
for the sake of serving others.
2. Self. These are the folks who have
worked all their lives, made great strides in their retirement funds, and have
everything all planned out. They know at what age they can stop working
forever, they know what resort they are going to move to, what cabin they will
spend their time at so they can fish all day long, how big that RV needs to be
so they can travel all the states, take cruises, and travel overseas. They will
watch the sun come up and go down at some of the most exotic places in the
world, post social media pictures of artistically designed meals they are about
to dine on. They’ve said “bye-bye” and leave behind their past life of that day in and day out grind and build new
lives on their terms.
3. Sit. This category of retirees say
good-bye to their careers, have some money in the bank, or not. Collect their
social security. They don’t really keep up with all their friends like they used
to or reach out to others as much. They become homebodies and become very uncomfortable
when they must be away from home for any length of time. They may take up some hobbies or crossword
puzzles, get a cat or a dog, or several. The TV becomes their friend and
entertainment, their easy chair becomes very easy to live and sleep in. And
that’s pretty much the sum of their lives.
None of these ways are wrong,
everyone has the right to choose how they do this. My opinion would be to put
some balance in place and implement all three of these categories in the
retirement years.
I would like to encourage folks,
however, not to throw in the towel! A person can enjoy
their later years and at the same time gain themselves a great since of accomplishment
and fulfillment by making a great impact on other people’s lives. Those who participate in paying it forward in
service to others are healthier in mind, body and spirit. They keep their
skills sharpened. Generally, they are not bitter and cranky, they are grateful
and thankful in their twilight years!
They use their wisdom and life experiences to teach, train, and help the
younger generations coming up.
Many don’t serve because they
don’t know what they want to do. They don’t know where to start, and the fear
factor sets in. I might suggest that you start by making a list of your passions. What trips your trigger, what excites you? After
building the list, look for opportunities in your church or community that fit
you. Maybe you like to paint landscapes. Look for opportunities to teach a
class at a retirement community or civic center. Is it fun for you to organize
stuff in your home and you have mastered it? Help others get organized! Many
people need help in this area so they can start downsizing their homes.
It’s a great feeling, to be
useful, especially when others have put you “out to pasture” per say. I have found
my passion and how to use it to serve others. I feel blessed and thankful.
I would like to encourage
everyone to make this year different and make it count by filling
up other folk’s buckets by investing in some lives.
Many Blessings!
Debra
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