Community is so important
Are You Living in Fear of the Future — or Looking Forward to It?
A few years ago, I attended a retirement seminar.
I figured I might as well go. After all, I planned to retire one day, and perhaps I'd learn something useful!
Well, I certainly came away with something to think about, although probably not what the speaker intended. 😂
For most of the seminar, he talked about the enormous cost of retirement and assisted-living communities. Over and over, we were reminded how much money we'd need to save if we wanted to afford living in one.
I remember going home and telling my husband what a waste of time I thought it had been.
And I want to be clear about something.
I'm incredibly grateful for retirement communities. My own dad needed that level of care, and having a place where both my mom and dad could live together was an enormous blessing for our family.
But I've also seen another side of aging.
My husband's mom lived independently in her own apartment until she was 93. And you know what she loved doing?
Watching cooking shows!
She'd find a new recipe, head into her kitchen, and make something different for us to try.
I love that memory because she was still learning, still experimenting, and still finding joy in the little things.
She had purpose.
And isn't that what we all want?
Not necessarily to live to 100 or to avoid ever needing help, but to continue having something that makes us excited to get up in the morning.
Because having a purpose doesn't mean we have to accomplish something extraordinary. Sometimes it's as simple as trying a new recipe and sharing it with someone we love.
But I couldn't help wondering...
Why was the entire conversation about preparing for a future where we might no longer be able to care for ourselves?
What about preparing for a future we actually look forward to?
When I imagine my retirement years, I picture playing pickleball, writing, painting, travelling, hiking with my dogs, spending time with my family, and continuing to discover new things.
I don't picture myself sitting around waiting to grow old!
And that brings me to something I've been thinking about lately.
The Power of Our Thoughts
When you picture yourself five, ten, or even twenty years from now, what do you see?
Do you immediately think about illness, losing your independence, and all the things that might go wrong?
Or do you picture yourself enjoying life, finding purpose, staying curious, and doing things you love?
We live in a world where we're constantly reminded of everything that could happen to us.
Warnings about disease. Statistics about illness. Advertisements telling us what we should eat, buy, or avoid if we want to live longer.
Sometimes I wonder if we're so busy worrying about what might happen that we forget to enjoy what we have today!
Now, I'm certainly not suggesting we ignore our health or pretend illness doesn't exist.
But there's a difference between being informed and living in fear.
Our thoughts matter.
What we focus on can influence how we feel, the decisions we make, and the way we approach each day.
When we constantly anticipate the worst, it's easy to become anxious or discouraged.
But when we approach life with gratitude, curiosity, and a sense of purpose, we may find ourselves more motivated to care for our health, stay active, and enjoy the opportunities around us.
Positive thinking isn't a guarantee against illness or aging. But it can help us live more fully, whatever circumstances we face.
Retirement Isn't the End of Your Purpose
Here's something else I've noticed.
For many people, their career becomes such a big part of their identity that when retirement comes, they wonder who they are without it.
Suddenly, the title is gone. The routine is gone. The responsibilities that once filled their days are gone.
And sometimes, their sense of purpose goes with them.
But here's what I believe.
Your career is something you do. It isn't who you are.
You still have gifts to share, things to learn, people to love, and dreams worth pursuing.
In fact, retirement might be the perfect opportunity to rediscover something you've always wanted to do!
I know that's certainly been true for me.
Who would have thought that after more than twenty years in real estate, I'd be writing and illustrating children's books, living in an old school, and exploring a completely different chapter of life?
Certainly not me! 😂
And that's what makes life so interesting.
What Are You Feeding Your Mind?
Just as we think about nourishing our bodies, perhaps we should pay more attention to what we're feeding our minds.
Are we filling our days with worry, fear, and everything that could go wrong?
Or are we making room for gratitude, laughter, love, curiosity, and possibility?
Spend time with people who lift you up.
Find something that gives your days meaning.
Keep learning.
Dream about the future.
And maybe get a dog! 😂
They have a wonderful way of making sure you get out of bed, go for a walk, and remember that life is meant to be enjoyed.
Of course, pets aren't practical for everyone, but companionship and connection are so important.
So, What Does Your Future Self Look Like?
None of us knows what tomorrow will bring.
There are no guarantees, and life has a way of taking unexpected turns.
But I don't want to spend my remaining years worrying about everything that might go wrong.
I want to spend them embracing everything that might go right.
I want to continue finding joy, discovering purpose, and looking forward to the possibilities ahead.
And I want to care for my mind and body today so I can give myself the best opportunity to enjoy those years.
So this Future Self Friday, I have a question for you.
Are you preparing for a future you're afraid of, or are you creating a future you're excited about?
Take a few moments to picture it.
Because while we can't control everything about our future, we can choose what we give our attention to today.
And perhaps that's where vitality really begins. ❤️
Stay Connected
I'd love to have you join me.
Sign up to receive my latest stories, simple wellness inspiration, and a little encouragement for living well along the way.
From Wellness Wednesday and Future Self Friday to our adventures renovating and living in an old school, with the Monday at the Old School Series, you'll find a little bit of everything here.
Come along for the journey. ❤️
