Looking And Moving Forward
As a psychotherapist and retirement coach, I have learned so much as I have explored the intersection of good emotional health and well-being with life transitions. I was so interested in this intersection, I began writing a monthly newsletter in 2008 to explore important transitions, especially the transition to retirement. I have shared the knowledge and experience I have gained with you, my newsletter reader. These newsletters have also been a way to stay in touch with my clients.
With Gratitude
You have been extremely generous with your comments, feedback, and encouragement over the years. As a result, the last thirteen years have just flown by! I appreciate all the times my newsletters were passed on to others when a topic seemed relevant to their needs. This helped to expand my readership.
According to my virtual assistant, I am the longest running author of a monthly communication of all her clients. It has been stimulating and interesting to read about and research various topics that might have helped you on your retirement journey.
I have experienced and learned so much from my training and work with clients, especially regarding how profound the transition to retirement is. Consequently, my clients have faced this transition armed with coaching support, exercises, books, and articles they have read, along with talking with others who have already retired. This process has led to their own self-exploration and reflection enabling them to be more optimistic and excited about leaving work. Retirement is different for everyone. It is as unique and sometimes as complicated as our own DNA. There is no “one size that fits all.”
Newsletter Topics
Some of the topics I have written about are timely at all stages of life but especially in retirement. They include but are not limited to:
- Aging gracefully
- Attitudes
- Care of aging parents
- Change versus transition
- Death
- Fitness
- Goal setting
- Gratitude
- Leisure perspectives
- Life planning
- Meaning and purpose
- Meaning of money
- Relationships
- Values
- Volunteering
- Wellness
- Work life balance
Retirement is when work turns into life balance and
life balance leads to purpose and meaning.”
—Dee Cascio
While I will continue to periodically write newsletters that I think might be of interest to you, I will no longer be writing them monthly. One of the reasons for this change is adjustments in my own retirement plans. I want to make more space in my schedule to experience other creative endeavors like playing the piano, taking some non-work-related classes, and traveling more. “Walking the talk” is what I encourage all of my clients to do so I can’t be an exception.
Stepping Out Of Your Comfort Zone
I must admit that when I began writing monthly newsletters, I wasn’t confident about my writing skills. I’ve always admired people who could express themselves through their writing, but I didn’t believe I had those skills. As a lifelong learner, overcoming this fear became a challenge. I decided to face that fear and do it anyway, just as I had faced my fear of public speaking years ago. I joined Toastmasters to learn how to speak comfortably about retirement to various groups. In both situations, I stepped out of my comfort zone and did what I didn’t think I could do.
As an additional accomplishment, I have also written two books, something I never thought I would do. Ready To Retire? Successful Retirement Planning To Make The Best Of The Rest Of Your Life and Where Will You Retire? A Retirement Guide And Exercises For Deciding Where To Retire, Buy A Second Home, Or Relocate (both available on Amazon) are proof that I can confront and overcome my fears.
The best things in life are often waiting for you
at the exit ramp of your comfort zone.”
—Karen Salmansohn
This is my challenge to you—step out of your personal comfort zone and do the things you’ve always wanted to do. Explore the unknown as you listen to your longings. Be brave as a role model for others who are watching you step into this freeing stage of life.
Newsletter Archives
I am in the process of organizing the newsletters on my website. In a few months, every newsletter I have written will be accessible for your review at www.LifeandWorkTransitions.com. I will also include the blog posts I have been publishing since 2014. There will be a wealth of information and inspiration in addition to what is already on my site for you to learn from.
While I am slowing down my newsletter publication, I will continue in my private practice as a psychotherapist and coach. I enjoy helping clients to live happy, productive, and meaningful lives too much to give up this satisfying work. I will also be offering another retirement webinar sometime in the fall of 2021, so be looking for an announcement. As always, feel free to reach out to me if I can be of assistance to you.
I hope you have a wonderful and relaxing summer. Please stay in touch through phone, emails, and texts.
Dee
As you face the challenges due to COVID-19 as well as changes and transitions in life and work, I welcome the opportunity to assist you. I am available for virtual consultations and virtual presentations at this time instead of corporate and group seminars and community workshops. Please contact me.
Dee Cascio
Author, speaker, Licensed Psychotherapist, Certified Life Coach, Retirement Lifestyle/ReCareer Coach, and Life and Work Transitions Strategies Coach.
The Life and Work Transitions Community
You’ve joined a great group — people who plan to make successful transitions in life and work. May you be inspired to use your strengths and skills to grow in this season and may each transition be your best ever.
Be ready to move forward.
These books will show you how.
Ready To Retire? Successful Retirement Planning To Make The Best Of The Rest Of Your Life
