Creating Contentment in Retirement

Dear Too Much,

Joanna Gaines, from Fixer Upper fame and co-owner of Magnolia network, magazine, store, and products, is also the mother of five children. In other words, she’s a very busy lady. She, too, may dream of a clear calendar. However, in a recent edition of “Magnolia Magazine,” she wrote: “If we were to wake up and find ourselves in the middle of an endless summer with no obligations, no passions or interests to turn toward, no relationships to cling to - all of our commitments suddenly gone - I wonder if it would feel like freedom or like free fall.”

She’s curious about whether the lack of commitments equals freedom and peace or the opposite. I’d suggest you become curious about this concept as well. What will it feel like to wake up to “an endless summer,” to a life filled with nothing but empty space? 

As Joanna suggests, commitments don’t necessarily keep us from being free. Commitments can, in fact, be the very things that are holding us up, shaping our daily lives and futures. 

For me, obligations and interests create a positive influence in my life. I believe that people languish when they have no purpose. Commitments, those projects and people to whom we are dedicated, help us flourish.

The trick, of course, is to stay in balance and not over commit. I’d suggest you start with a list. What goals do you have for your retirement years? How do you want to spend your time? What have you wanted to do but never had time for? What makes your heart sing? What feels like play? List in priority order. 

Now, start adding the things at the top of your list to your new life. Then, gradually add other commitments if and when it feels comfortable to do so. Try new things. “Yes” isn’t forever. You can change your mind and move on to something else. 

Create the life you love - a life full of passion, purpose, and play.

Happy Retirement!