CHAPTER 1
THE POWER OF THE BRAIN
Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams Who looks inside, awakes.
- Carl Jung
For most people, retirement is a joyful happening. But, even for those lucky, joyful retirees, they are going to go through a transition in their life that could be a game changer.
Understanding the brain can be powerful when emotions surface before and during retirement. If thinking about retirement brings on a high level of stress, then taking steps to reduce that stress is imperative. Imagine the person that is forced into retirement earlier than planned. The stress level will be off the charts potentially.
If chronic stress is not managed, the brain goes into basic survival rather than logical, productive, long-term thinking. The result of this could show up in loss of memory, fatigue, blood sugar imbalance, higher blood pressure, and a decrease in overall health. Sounds extreme, doesn't it?
The ideal situation is to plan before retirement to keep the brain from going into survival mode. I can tell you when I first retired, I experienced many of the above symptoms. I don't want to say, if you do all the questions in this journal, you won't experience retirement stress. That would be irresponsible. I just want you to recognize various reactions you may experience physically. Recognizing these reactions will help move you faster into a joyous retirement. And, working through the questions in this book may help evolve into the next chapter of your life faster.
Henriette Anne Klauser, wrote in her book, Write It Down, Make It Happen, "'Good Happens' is the philosophy behind this book, my premise is the overriding belief that good things happen and that life is a narrative you have a hand in writing." You have the power to create the perfect retirement yet. Just by writing down your thoughts about retirement, you will be way ahead because your subconscious will start the ball rolling in your favor. Watch for it! It will happen, I promise you. Have you ever written down your 5-year goals, then filed them in a cabinet. Five years later you find the goal sheet and you have accomplished many of those goals? That was not by chance.
Dr. Joe Dispenza, the author of Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, says "Our thoughts can become our experience." Neuroscience is proving every day that our minds are very powerful. And, very recently it has been proven that our digestive system is very much connected to our brain. I am not going to go on and on about these topics because I want you to start your retirement journaling sooner rather than later. At the back of the book, I will list resources regarding these findings.
You do not have to have a humdrum retirement. "Journal It, Live It".
Starting Now ...
CHAPTER 2
HOW TO UTILIZE THIS BOOK
Things do not happen. Things are made to happen.
-John F. Kennedy
Attitude and Intention:
Your attitude and intention around these journal questions matter greatly.
You can utilize the space in this book or you can purchase a nice spiral bound journal to set the tone that you are serious about this journey.
Journaling your thoughts can actually bring up feelings that can have an impact on your being. As you journal your way through these questions, be prepared to feel calm, joyful, ecstatic, sad, mad and sometimes overwhelmed. These emotions can then make their way to your physical being. For instance, if you are writing about something that makes you mad, you could end up with a stomachache.
Don't throw in the towel when these physical symptoms show up. I'm mentioning it to you now, because subconsciously you may stop journaling since it seems you always get a headache or stomach ache during or after that journal session. This is normal. Persevere.
Some of the journal questions may be thought provoking and may conjure up some old memories or fears. If they do, then "yay!" the journaling is working.
Date Your Journaling
It will be interesting to see how things change after a few weeks or months of journaling. Also, it will be very interesting in years to come when you are living the life of your dreams and you revisit this journal. It will be great to see the progress and how writing gave you clarity to make your dreams come true. You will be able to see and celebrate your progress.
How Often Should You Journal?
How often you journal really is up to you. Some people want to plow through these questions while others want to contemplate each question for a week. I recommend you test it out for yourself. If you do one question per day, but are still thinking of that question when you are three questions further along, it might make sense to slow down a bit.
Worksheets/Meditations
Periodically, I will reference the availability of a worksheet to help you organize your thoughts. The worksheets will be great for people that like to keep lists. Journaling in the space provided is still fine if you don't like worksheets.
I've included some guided meditations to go deeper.
The Litmus Test, especially, is a wonderful tool to utilize the rest of your life.
CHAPTER 3
REFLECTIONS ON RETIREMENT TODAY
The blend of logic and emotion is the reality we live in.
- Susan Bradley
What three words describe what retirement means to you? (For example: relaxed, bored, organized, scared)
Choose one word at a time to contemplate. What pictures come to your mind when you say that word? How do you feel when you say that word? Does someone else come to mind when you say that word? Do you see yourself in a special room or home? Is the word grandiose, simple, depressing, uplifting, boring, exciting? What is that all about? (Ask yourself these questions for each word you choose.)
(i.e.: Calmness – I envision waking up each day without the alarm, not rushing off to the office for a crazy schedule. I let each day evolve. I will have a leisurely morning watching the morning news, drinking coffee and reading the paper. I am very happy and calm, etc.)
Date: _________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Yesterday was not your defining moment. The calendar moved forward; why not you?
-Steve Maraboli
The first journal question got your creative juices flowing about retirement in a different way. It wasn't about what you are going to "do" in retirement, but how do you "feel" about retirement. Big difference!
If you are having trouble getting started, try to set a special time of the day/week for journaling. When I first started journaling many years ago, I had to truly force myself. I really thought it was a waste of valuable time. But, as I pressed ahead, I recognized the value of journaling.
Fact: Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and many other US Presidents journaled every day! It is a great way to clarify your thoughts, plan and create.
Describe a typical week for you when you retire? Start with Monday, then go day by day. Be very thorough. Include all activities (even paying bills, housekeeping, cutting the lawn, knitting, chopping wood) and the people you will be with during the week.
Date: _________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.
-Walt Disney
You may have done a great job saving for retirement, but do you know what you'll be doing in retirement to fill your days? The majority of retired people never gave this much thought before they retired. Most people envision their retirement will be like their vacation times. This can lead to boredom, sickness and even depression when reality sets in.
I've interviewed many retired people and they all have different experiences regarding time frames when they really felt retired. It ranges from three months to two years. You may need time to ponder this question. At the end of the journal, I will prompt you to come back to this question to fill in any blanks or rearrange your new busy calendar.
Describe the first twelve months of your retirement by month. For example, if you retire in June, what will that month look like as far as activities, projects, people you will see, etc. Then, give each month a theme. April could be "Spring Cleanup", August could be "FamilyVacation".
Date: _________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
This pouring thoughts out on paper has relieved me. I feel better and full of confidence and resolution.
-Diet Eman
You are on the 4 Journal Your Way to Retirement question. We are currently journaling how we feel "currently" about retirement. As you move on in the book, you will get more prolific in answering some of the blanks or blocks you may be running across.
So, how do you like journaling? Are you experiencing any "Ah, Ha!" moments?
Here are some benefits to journaling:
It is a great GPS for what you want in retirement. Think about how much easier it is to take a trip across the country (retirement) when you have a GPS (journal) by your side.
It will be a chronicle of your evolution towards an awesome retirement.
It can unlock creativity and identify blocks you never gave any thought.
It can increase your realization of the future and even reduce stress.
It can be the catalyst to action. We all know the power of brainstorming.
These questions revolve around "health".
How is your physical and mental health today?
Would your health be better in retirement? How and why?
Would your health would be worse in retirement? How and why?
Date: _________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.
- Oprah Winfrey
Describe your current home. Is it affordable, comfortable, small, large, a money pit, etc? Elaborate on that description.
How long do you want to live in this home? Why? What characteristics do you like about your home? What are the negatives regarding staying in your home during retirement?
What are the positives regarding staying in your home during retirement?
Do you want to move to another home? Why? Where?
Do you feel like you are stuck staying in your home for various reasons such as money, family, health, etc?
What does your partner think about it? Do your attitudes differ on the subject? Is there room for compromise?
Date: _________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Dissatisfaction (restlessness) is not a bad thing. ... indeed it's the best thing about us.
-St. Augustine
What is it that keeps you awake at night when you ponder retirement? Why? Is it a real concern? Could you be over-thinking?
By now you should have had a lot of "Ah, Ha!" moments. This, though, is a key journal question. Do not skip.
Date: _________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
All the world's a stage, and all men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages.
-William Shakespeare
This journaling question actually involves drawing. It is a pictorial representation of where you are in life now. You will be completing a Wheel of Retirement Assessment. (See worksheet on Page 150-151) When you have completed the assessment, it will give you a portrait of your satisfaction levels and allow you to quickly and easily identify any areas that may need attention now.
Many of the previous journal questions should have given you some clarity around these areas. This exercise will give you some priority as to what needs attention before you retire.
In the next set of journal questions you be will exploring how you can raise the level of bliss on each of these categories.
Most of us spend too much time on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important.
-Stephen R. Covey
What are the 5 biggest priorities you feel must be addressed before you retire? This can be nonfinancial and financial. (For instance, how will you reduce credit card debt before retirement or how can you assist your child in establishing themselves in the world before you retire?)
Discuss why each priority is important, how have you addressed this priority, or when and how you will address each priority.
Date: _________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.
-Steve Jobs
Are you being realistic on the timing of your retirement? Are you procrastinating or are you accelerating retirement plans? Why?
Journal in detail why and how you are really feeling about the timing. Be honest. Keep the ego out of it. The Steve Jobs' quote is a bit severe, but it might help give some perspective. I put retiring in the "big choices" category.
Date: _________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get.
-W.P. Kintella
If this journaling process was a huge success, what would have to happen in the next year, in three years, in five years, etc. (go out as far as you wish)
Date: _________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.
-Franklin D. Roosevelt, Looking Forward
Take a Trial Run
This next idea may not be practical in totality for you. Don't skip the next question. Really think about this one.
Is it possible for you to take a sabbatical? The definition is a rest from work, or a break, often lasting from two months to a year.
Many firms and colleges require their employees to take a sabbatical every 7 years or so. It takes a lot of planning because it is important to keep the high level of service while you are away. If your employer knows you are thinking of retiring, they may love the opportunity ahead of time to see the holes that will need to be filled when you leave.
A two-month sabbatical may be just enough to give you the feeling of what retirement will look like.
If you can't take a sabbatical, maybe a very long vacation would give you the same results. After many years of service, you may have 5 weeks vacation. Would it be feasible to take it all at once?
Don't let your ego get in the way. How could my employer or business survive without me??? Remember the saying "Nobody is indispensable".
So, what do you think?
Date: _________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
CHAPTER 4
PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE
People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.
-Isaac Asimov
I'd like you to think about "people" in your life. Let's face it many of us have worked with the same people for years. The idea of never seeing some of these people again can be upsetting. Or, the thought of seeing a person every day, all day, in retirement can also be interesting. You'll be resolving any concerns as you move through the journal. Do not run or suddenly decide you can't retire.
On the worksheet provided on page 152 or on these pages make a list of the people that you currently work with or see regularly because of work, but you will not see after you retire. For each person indicate if you will miss them, be happy you'll never see them again or neutral. And, don't forget the maintenance man that has emptied your waste basket for years. Include as many people as possible. The worksheet will help if you want to maintain a running list handy.
Date: _________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
The best times we've had on earth are usually with those we love.
- Van Harden
Make a list of non-work related people that you see on a regular basis, for example, spouse, friends, family members, neighbors, fellow volunteers, etc. A worksheet is provided on page 153.
For each person indicate if you will see them more, less, or the same.
What people would you like to see more?
What people would you like to see less?
Date: _________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
