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
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