Finding Purpose In Retirement

In a recent podcast episode on DoorWays Ministry, I talked to Ric Shields about retirement’s challenges and growth. Sharing my journey after an unexpected retirement from medicine, I’m learning the distinction between identity and profession, and how retirement can lead to renewed purpose through faith, family, and service.

In previous posts, I’ve told you that 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.

After bringing you three episodes of the series, in this post I’m sharing the podcast where I share my thoughts and experience of retirement.

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.”

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 now.

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.

Listen here now.

Episode 4-Who Am I Without My Job?

Finding Purpose After Retirement

For decades, you’ve known how to answer the question, “What do you do?” But what happens when the job title disappears, the routine changes, and the work that once defined you is suddenly behind you?

In this episode of the DoorWays Ministry podcast, Dr. Aletha Oglesby shares her deeply personal experience of an unexpected retirement after decades in medicine. When her position was eliminated, she faced feelings of loss, grief, and uncertainty. Over time, she discovered that while her professional role had changed, her purpose had not.

Together, we explore the difference between what we do and who we are, how to recognize when retirement is becoming emotionally difficult, and why meaningful living starts with understanding our core values and calling.

Through faith, family, new experiences, and opportunities to serve, Aletha discovered fresh ways to live out the purpose that had guided her all along.

Because retirement may close one chapter of your life, but it doesn’t mean your story is finished. It may be the perfect opportunity to discover who you’ve been all along.

Ric Shields, DoorWays Podcast
A man and a woman standing together with Niagara Falls in the background, showcasing the beautiful cascading water and mist.
Fifty years after our wedding, Raymond and I made it to Niagara Falls.

The year after I retired, I went on a ministry trip to Paraguay with my church. I donate monthly to a child sponsorship program based there. It was a special treat to meet the child I sponsor.

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

Financial Freedom in Retirement

Join me and Ric Shields’ DoorWays Ministry podcast series, focusing on retirement and its purpose beyond mere rest. In this episode Zak Dyer shares insights from his work as a Cerfified Financial Planner.

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.

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.”

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 now.

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.

Episode 3-Can I Afford to Retire? pt.2

From Saving for Retirement to Living It Well

You’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and planned for the future. But when retirement finally arrives, how do you turn a lifetime of saving into a lifetime of income?

In Part 2 of Can I Afford to Retire?, financial advisor Zak Dyer explores what it really takes to prepare for the next chapter. From learning how to spend the money you’ve saved to knowing when to work longer, give generously, or seek professional advice, Zak offers practical wisdom for making your retirement years count.

What if you haven’t saved enough? How can you help your children without putting your own future at risk? And if retirement is just five years away, what should you be doing right now?

Zak Dyer is a Certified Financial Planner and credentialed minister with the DoorWays Ministry Network. His work combines financial planning with a heart for helping people prepare wisely for the future. Zak lives near Sapulpa, Oklahoma, with his wife Elizabeth and their three school-aged children.

Discover how thoughtful planning, realistic expectations, and wise financial decisions today can create greater freedom tomorrow. Because retirement isn’t just about reaching a finish line. It’s about preparing to live well in the years ahead.

A man and a woman sitting at a table with a laptop, calculator, and papers, looking concerned while discussing financial matters.
Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels.com

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