It may be hard to think about gratitude in retirement when, over the last several months, there has been a dramatic downturn in the stock market. Most Americans have many of their retirement funds invested in this market with implications that are deeply disturbing. Day by day, week by week, we have all watched our retirement accounts dwindle with the threat of a recession looming. Think about how many of these cycles we have gone through and try to remember we always experience a reset and things level out. Unfortunately, this stock market turbulence only serves to heighten the focus that we have always placed on the financial aspects of retirement to the detriment of everything else. It is understood that finances are extremely important during this life stage. However, obsessing about financial stability makes money the priority to the detriment of many other important retirement issues like family, friendships, purpose, meaning, gratitude, and so much more.
Money And Retirement Satisfaction
Retirement is no different than any other stage of life when it comes to money. Repeatedly, studies have shown that people with a lot of money are no happier and have just as many problems as those with less money. They are just different kinds of problems.
People who believe that the presence of money is the determining factor in their life satisfaction are often disappointed. Many of us know people who don’t have a lot of money but who are still perfectly satisfied and happy with their lives. Many of these individuals practice being grateful and have found satisfaction in having life purpose and meaning rather than materialistic satisfaction. Gratitude and purpose do have value in our lives. They help us view our life circumstances in a different light.
Introspection
The retirement life transition should be a time for introspection and self-reflection. It is a time when we reflect on how we have lived the first part of our lives and what we want to create in the second half of our lives. Looking at who you are, knowing your values, and defining your priorities are all important steps in this stage of life. We might also ask ourselves – How much is enough? It is helpful to do your own personal assessment by asking yourself these kinds of questions:
• What are you grateful for?
• What might your life purpose be?
• Who do you know who models a lifestyle of gratitude and purpose? What can you learn from them?
• Are you spending time doing the things you love to do?
• Do you know what those things are?
• Are you reaching out to people who are important in your life and making time for them?
• Are you taking good care of yourself?
• How will your actions affect the legacy you leave?
All of these questions require some time for introspection. This is what this stage of life is all about.
Gratitude in retirement, combined with living out your life’s purpose, can give you a new or different outlook and make the harder circumstances of life easier to bear. Retirement coaching can also help you in this stage of life. Check out 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*or give me a call to get started.
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