REDEFINING OURSELVES

Thoughts from a 70Candles gathering:

What shall we do when we no longer pursue our careers?
We might retool, retrain, pursue new ventures, or volunteer where there’s a need.

Re-tiring can be like putting new tires on a car – a fresh start!

We take ourselves with us into each new adventure, and wherever we may move. An avocation might move to the forefront and in retirement, claim our full attention. This new focus can help us redefine who we are and what we are about. “I am a photographer,” said aloud, can begin a whole new chapter in a life.

Optimism matters. Know that there are possibilities ahead.
There is something good in every day, Find it, notice it, wonder at it, give it, be it.

Each day contains the possibility of something new and exciting that’s never happened before.

With age has come experience and wisdom, to pass along to younger people. By being a good listener, you can be a catalyst, to help them sort things out. They know the answers, they just need help finding them. We have inspirational status.

Connect, connect, connect with family, friends, and especially women friends. Relate to people of all ages. Have several different communities.

Make younger friends. Interact with different kinds of people. Don’t marginalize anyone.

Accept your friends with all their frailties as they age. Don’t focus on what was or what might be.

Bring energy to whatever you do- it keeps you going.

“I don’t want to be young; I just want to be thought of as young.”