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What's Important When
You're No Longer Working?
Perry Peck made some profound
observations at a recent Local Board meeting, and I asked him to share
them with the membership. Regardless of how far you may be from
"retirement" (whatever that means in the 21st century),
you'll likely have about 1/3 of your life left after you're no longer
working full time.
And then what will the priorities be? And what can you do
now about those? Here's Perry's essay
on the subject:
My wife and I had a perfectly happy
life -- then I stayed home from work.
Thoughts after one
year's Retirement
Remember
Covey? "Start with the end in mind"
I am now more convinced than ever that
a couple enjoys each other more when each has strong interests
different from the other, and also enjoy many interests together.
Their respect for one another is heightened and their time together is
fresher. Ideally this is true throughout their time together but
should be supported even more at retirement.
Don’t skimp on separate interests;
tennis clubs, historic autos, cooking school, computer hardware and
classes, health clubs, part time teaching etc..
You have a long time ahead of you and
there is growth and excitement if you don’t get stale and lazy.
MONEY
Agree on your financial plans. "You
have your money and I have mine" is not good team making. A
detailed budget is not necessary. An agreement of what you will do and
not do with your money and how you can enjoy it is what counts. At
least every three months tally up. Talk about and list the major
expenses in the next three months and where the money
will come from. Don’t dwell on the small change.
HEALTH
Your joy in life is directly related to
your physical condition. Take exercise, diet and check ups seriously.
You can no longer put it off. Get serious. Get to your proper
weight. Adopt an exercise routine and keep close to it. Don’t
talk about your health problems. If you both are active, you and your
children and friends can enjoy each other fully.
FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Rediscover your far-flung friends,
relatives and
relationships. Get rid of ill feelings, grudges, reputations and
mistreatments. Reconnect with family, grandkids and old close friends.
Get in the car and visit and enjoy . Its too late to change them
--don’t try. Overlook what you don’t like and enjoy the good.
GROWTH
Like the peach tree, put out new spars
each year. The new growth will bear the fruit next year. Seek out new
learning, continuing education, hobbies and community service. Retirees
in all types of classes are the norm today. Sign up and go.
Its nice to hear I am loved – Others want to hear it too.
Thanks, Perry for a wise and
thought-provoking essay. If you have something to share
with Perry or other members, please do send it to us.
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