Dear Susan,
I retired early (at 56). I am now divorced and an empty nester. Quite frankly, I am bored! Can you give me any cool ideas to find new sources of fulfillment?
Sincerely,
A Bored Dreamer
Dear Bored Dreamer,
Midlife Renaissance – that exhilarating moment when the world opens up before you like a treasure trove of possibilities. You have more wisdom than a library and more time than ever; don’t waste it on watching your hot boy nudist neighbor (unless you are going for the boy toy) and Netflix binge-ing.
The AGEIST newsletter is a great resource to find individuals your age that see this stage of life not as a crisis, but a rebirth. What have you always dreamed of doing?
Did you see the movie Fried Green Tomatoes? Kathy Bates has a famous line in the movie: “TOWANDA.” In the movie, she used this phrase to feel empowered.
For you, Towanda, the “righter of retirement boredom” has arrived.
And I am not talking typical activities like golf or shuffleboard; I want you to dream big. Think: fulfillment. The return on investment for just trying something new is like hitting the jackpot in the game of life.
Several women have inspired me, including Joan MacDonald (@trainwithJoan) who, at 73, reversed her health problems, lost more than 60 pounds and became an Instagram sensation. She defied what people thought was possible and currently, at 78, she is gracing the covers of fitness magazines and inspiring women to do hard things. My other favorite is my fellow Cuban Carmen Herrera who, in her 80s, gained significant attention for her abstract art. Even Grandma Moses began her prolific career as a folk artist at the young age of 78!!
So, my dear bored dreamer, let retirement be the starting line, definitely not the finish line. Be bold, be brave, and be like Carmen Herrera — painting the canvas of your life with vibrant colors and strokes until the very end!!
With laughter and liberation,
Your retirement guru (aka TOWANDA! Righter of retirement boredom)
