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 […]
Lifestyle
Life Changes — Embracing Retirement
Retirement comes in many forms. It’s a time when life changes. Sometimes the changes come gradually. Sometimes the changes are deliberate and happen through personal choice. Sometimes the changes come due to circumstances that force retirement. When job loss drives the retirement decision, embracing retirement is inconceivable for most people. Finding work again — in a known […]
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 […]
Personal Rituals to Stay on Track
Personal rituals help us stay on track and increase retirement happiness. One of my favourite books, From Beginning to End — The Rituals of our Lives, by Robert Fulghum explores both public and private rituals that define the patterns of our lives. I have read and re-read sections of the book during different stages of my […]
Celebrate Canada Day on July 1
July 1 — It’s time to celebrate Canada Day! This is a day for picnics, parades, barbecues, outdoor concerts, and fireworks. It’s a day to fly our red and white maple leaf flag with pride. It’s a day to wear red and white clothing as a show of Canadian pride. Reflect on Canadian citizenship Canada Day […]
Re-entry After a Long Vacation
What are the characteristics of a successful re-entry after a long vacation from regular routines? I’ve just returned from an extended vacation in South Africa. I face the challenge of adjusting to life in Canada with mixed emotions. Coming home makes me happy but I’m overwhelmed with all the tasks that need attention. Because coming home […]
Retirement Happiness — Don’t let others get under your skin
Is it easy for others to get under your skin? Do you react when someone makes comments that conflict with your beliefs? Do you respond? Do you ignore the comments? What about infringement on your personal space in a crowd? Do you move aside? What about the traffic challenges when someone forces their car into […]
Surviving a Long Winter
The Canadian winter has been exceptionally long this year — longer and colder than usual. Winter began in our part of Ontario on November 23, 2013 with an early snow storm. Our family gathered at the cottage that weekend for the fall clean-up after the leaves fell from the oak trees. Despite attempting to rake […]
