Rediscover Your Passion in Retirement

I knew that art and fitness were my callings by the time I was a teenager, and probably even earlier than that. What I could do better than most of my peers was draw. And I was always looking for ways to build up my body. Other matters, some important and some not, diverted my attention along the way; but, finally, here I am.

So this has to do with retirement and those of us who share that state, or are about to, and what we do with our time once we are out of the harness. What makes me an expert? Well, I am retired, and I have been for quite some time. Yet I've never really thought of myself as being retired. Why? Because I'm fortunate to be consumed by (1) the creative process of making art and (2) promoting the fitness lifestyle. Without these strong interests, or something equally engaging, I don't know where I'd be.

We've all seen people who retire and then vegetate in front of a television set. What a terrible waste. Oh, they may go on a cruise or play cards. But is that all there is? To me, the idea of retirees aboard The Love Boat has the appeal of a jail sentence. Don't get me wrong. I have nothing against occasional diversions. But keep in mind that they are just that -- diversions -- not matters of real substance. Matters of substance are what makes life worth living.

Your interests probably are very different from mine. But somewhere in each of us the interests are there, only waiting to be rediscovered and released. One good way to uncover them is by looking backward to your childhood and adolescence. Recall the thoughts, activities and dreams that sent your imagination and spirit soaring. Those are your clues. Develop interests related to them and most people experience a personal renaissance.