Your post-retirement plan

Pre-retirement, you probably spent your days closing big deals. Maybe you had lots of success entertaining clients. Or perhaps you bestowed helpful knowledge onto a classroom that will stay with them the rest of their lives.

Whatever your line of work was, you poured your heart and soul into it —It gave you purpose. Some people think having a purpose in life can add years (or happiness). Work may have been your passion for a large portion of your life, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find that “spark” again! Think about things that bring you joy and happiness and base your energy around them.

Here are some ways to find your purpose again:

1) Volunteer. Find a local group (or start your own) based on your passions. This could be feeding the homeless, gathering up jackets for school children, raising funds for missions, offering services at the local hospitals, and reading to children’s classrooms. The possibilities are endless! This is a double bonus category, as you will get to do something you love and help people simultaneously!

2) Work part-time. You may miss your job, but probably not enough to go back full-time! Utilize your knowledge by offering consulting services or mentoring employees just starting out.

3) Use your creativity. Do you ever have great thoughts but nowhere to put them? Write them down! Pour your knowledge into a blog or journal. Your advice may not only help others but give you great satisfaction in sharing.

4) Find yourself. If you are unsure what you want to spend your time doing, explore all the options until you find out! Find the passion that makes YOU. Try art classes, yoga, start learning a foreign language — whatever sounds interesting.

5. Bring back the past. That child who loved to play with model trains can now be an adult who loves model trains. Loved to drawback in the day? Drag out the pencils and get started! All the things you once loved to do but slowly stopped having time for can now be brought back. You have the time now!

6. Connect with friends and family. Go bird watching with your neighbor, have coffee with a friend, sort through piles of coins with your grandchild, or send a weekly email to your family with your latest ancestry finds. Make sure you’re spending at least some of your time with people in person.

7. Hit the trail. When you’re not working full-time, you have more time to go on long walks and stay active.

8. Get a furry (or feathered) pal. Studies show that having a pet can make you healthier and happier.

Ultimately, adjusting to life where your time is yours, and yours only can be difficult. However, it is up to you to find your new purpose and enjoy what life offers! As Bishop T.D. Jakes said, “If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.”