Gratitudes during the month of November are difficult for those who live in Northern climes. The skies are a wintry grey. Dampness makes the cool air feel downright cold. The trees have shed most of their autumn beauty. Day light is scarce. For me, November means blah days and low energy levels. I’m challenged to keep […]
Happiness in Retirement
Are you comfortable with who you are?
Are you comfortable with who you are? Do you like yourself? Are you happy with your retirement lifestyle? Or, do you find yourself wishing that you had made different decisions about retirement? Do you put yourself down when you make a silly mistake? Are you striving too hard to cross items off the bucket list? […]
Self Help Strategies for Increased Retirement Happiness
Are you using self help strategies to increase retirement happiness? Most retirees want a life that is happy, full, and satisfying. Yet there may be a nagging inner voice that wonders whether a different approach to retirement might be more fulfilling. Is there another path that will increase happiness? As we look to learn and […]
Canadian Thanksgiving Celebrations
Canadian Thanksgiving is a time of celebration. Observed on the 2nd Monday of October and affectionately known as ‘Turkey Day’, Thanksgiving in Canada is closely linked with European harvest festivals. People gather for excursions, family events, and relaxation. In the Kitchener-Waterloo area of Ontario, Thanksgiving weekend means Oktoberfest celebrated with Germanic traditions of beer, […]
How NOT to Celebrate Your Husband’s Birthday
What should you not do to celebrate your husband’s birthday? What should you avoid? I’m exploring this topic today because my husband has another birthday coming tomorrow. After 48 years of marriage, we have celebrated many birthdays. Most of the birthdays have been happy celebrations with good feelings associated with wishes for many years of […]
Why Some Reunions Make You Happy
Some reunions make you happy. Contact with people who have influenced your life validates and energizes you. In terms of retirement happiness, some reunions are worthwhile — others, not so much. The big ‘home-coming’ reunions at universities I’ve attended never attract me. It’s not worth the time or expense to attend these events to re-kindle relationships […]
Do Pets Increase Retirement Happiness?
Studies show that pets increase retirement happiness, particularly among older people. The companionship of a beloved dog or cat boosts happiness, improves general well-being, and enhances life satisfaction. Pets reduce overall stress levels. If you come home to an empty house, pets will offer a greeting. Owners with pets have improved physical and mental health […]
What makes summer at the Cottage Special?
Summer days at the cottage are special. These are some of the happiest times in my retirement journey. I don’t have to do anything, be anywhere, or answer to anyone. We spend most of the summer at our cottage at Lake Huron where sandy beaches stretch for miles. The vistas of the lake change every […]
Do you fit the Perfect Retirement Image?
Does your retirement fit the perfect retirement image? Are you pursuing a life of perfect ease and relaxation? Are you travelling extensively, living in the perfect retirement house, achieving retirement goals, and living a dream retirement? Although I am happy with my retirement choices, I confess that I don’t have the perfect retirement. My husband […]
What’s your retirement brand?
What’s your retirement brand? Is there something that people automatically associate with you? Perhaps it’s your welcoming smile, or your cooking, or your deep knowledge of an obscure topic, or your signature perfume. How people think of you is your personal ‘brand’. It’s very ‘in’ to think of how you brand yourself. Although it’s difficult […]
