Find something that you can do slow, that you can do forever and still love it, that still gives you meaning.” – Christina Koch, Artemis II astronaut
Why do I need purpose after I retire? Can’t I spend the rest of my days enjoying my life – just living it? What’s wrong with that? I can go on holidays, do activities that I enjoy, and visit with friends and family. I can take care of myself, get the rest that I need, and exercise as I’d like. I can spend my time and energy on my life. That seems like a pretty sweet deal!
The Static Retirement
As a life style, the “do nothing retirement” is like finding a lovely spot in the woods and then staying there with the friends, family and experiences that I have now. It’s static. It’s a life style where I try to keep everything the same and don’t seek growth.
Over time (if I continue the metaphor) the spot in the woods changes. Wind will blow down branches on my shelter. I will need to learn how to remove them, and how to repair my home. The people in my life will grow up and move on, leaving me with fewer and fewer folks to help me. It will also get lonely. There are many, many changes in life. Even if I will myself to stay the same, my body will continue to offer challenges as it ages. No matter how much I might not like it, change is inevitable.
Insulation From Life’s Challenges
So, the question really is, how do I respond to change? I want to have something that will carry me through the tough challenges ahead: a reason to get up in the morning when life looks bleak. I need something to carry me through tough times by giving me an area to develop that’s outside of myself: a larger purpose for my energy and skills.
The Benefits Of A Purpose
New Friends And Knowledge
With this focus comes a steady stream of new people who are also working in this area. We share a common interest. These people build my community of friends, and it doesn’t dwindle out as I grow older. My purpose also comes with new learning to challenge me intellectually and keep my brain active.
Adaptable And Worthwhile
My purpose is flexible. It isn’t like a 9-5 job. I can choose how much time I spend on it. It can change and morph into different areas as I grow and my circumstances change. It’s adaptable. But, at it’s core, it consistently reflects my values, and what I believe is a worthy use of my time.
In this retirement, I can still go on holidays, organize my time as I’d like, visit friends and family – all the things from a “do nothing retirement.” But, I also have a grounding purpose. As Artemis II astronaut, Christina Koch remarked, “Find something that fulfills you,” … “Find something that you can do slow, that you can do forever and still love it, that still gives you meaning.”* Good advice for every season of life.
What are some of the things that people you know are doing slowly and loving? Comment below and we can build a list.
Retired, And Now What? 
I’ll start… I’m building a business to give people tools to thrive in retirement.
LikeLike