EMBRACING INDEPENDENCE: CRAFTING YOUR NEXT CHAPTER IN RETIREMENT

In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, declaring that the 13 American colonies were no longer under the rule of Great Britain’s King George III. The holiday symbolizes a commitment to liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness for all Americans. And soon we’ll be celebrating it with fireworks, barbeques, and parades!

Like our nation’s journey to independence, retirement is a wonderful opportunity to pursue happiness and personal wellbeing on our own terms. Imagine not being tied to a full-time work schedule packed with company-driven goals and deadlines. Take a deep breath of that fresh air, even if you plan to work or volunteer part-time in retirement. For those of us who love our careers, retirement still offers the chance to reinvent ourselves and our lives, free from past limitations.

Recently I shared some inspiration from family and friends about making travel a priority, especially at the onset of retirement. Why is travel so attractive? Maybe it’s because, for the first time in decades, we have the freedom for long-term getaways? For many, the travel bug marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of the honeymoon period of the next. But remember, it is just the start. There is so much more to building a fulfilling life in retirement that could span decades.

How will you spend your time in ways that bring you meaning, fun and relaxation? What will you do to foster a healthy mind, body, and spirit? Where will you live? Who will you spend time with? Who will you become?

Most of us spend a lot of time planning vacations. Reinventing ourselves and our lives free of past limitations happens best through deliberate reflection and thoughtful decision-making. So, while celebrating our nation’s independence with this weekend, why not come up with your game plan for designing your next chapter in life?

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