Who are you?

To be happy once work is history, you have to know yourself. What you need physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually is essential information.

This sounds simple, but it’s not. Most of us have buried our own wants and needs under obligations and commitments for decades. There’s a place for that. We needed to work hard when the paycheck had to cover the bills. We needed to be there for kids, siblings, spouses, and parents. Some of that is still part of the picture.

What do you wanna do?

There’s more time for you now. To fill it in ways that keep you healthy, happy, involved, and satisfied, you’re going to have to do some exploring. You need to know your own interests and preferences to make the retirement work well.

It’s not just about “ME.”

The vast majority of us will find meaning by doing things for others at this point in our lives—a part-time job, a mentoring arrangement, some sort of volunteering. Helping is an important part of this time of life. But even that is more satisfying if you take the time to be sure it’s consistent with who you are, what you value, and how you like to work.

What’s part of the authentic you?

Try these questions for fun. Then look for more on this web site.

Do you like to do the same things at the same time every day?
Or do you prefer spontaneous adventures?
Is gardening a hobby or a chore?
Could you see yourself riding your Harley to Sturgis?
Do you like to have people rely on you?
How do you make friends?