☀️ Creativity

Greetings!

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Happy March and soon to be spring weather - always a great time to do some spring cleaning and refreshen your mindset as well!

Thank you for reading this issue of Happily Ever Retired!

 Embrace Your Best Life! 

~ Curt & Shari Roese

SIMPLI SHARI 🩷

A Fresh Start for March 🍀

March is the perfect time to shake off the winter blues and welcome a fresh start! ☀️Start by clearing out the clutter - whether it’s that junk drawer that’s overflowing or the garage packed with things you haven’t used in years. A little spring cleaning can make your space feel lighter and more inviting.

Once you’ve tidied up, bring some life back into your home by planting fresh flowers 🌼or adding a touch of greenery to your porch. It’s amazing how a pop of color can brighten your mood and signal the start of a new season.

As the days get longer and the weather warms up, it’s time to step outside and soak in the fresh air 😎. Consider starting a new exercise routine - whether it’s stretching in the morning, taking a daily walk, or dusting off that bike 🚴‍♀️for a leisurely ride around the neighborhood.

Moving your body, breathing in the crisp air, and feeling the sun on your face can do wonders for your energy and mindset. March is all about renewal, so why not embrace it by making small changes that lead to a healthier, happier you?

What would be your favorite activity to do?

CURT’S CORNER

These past few months have been very interesting as I explored the world of Creativity for a class I took for my graduate degree. The course was entitled Creativity in Entrepreneurship, and at first I didn’t think much of the course, but in the end I actually enjoyed it very much and learned a lot about being intentionally creative. 😀

The course was half academic and half “go do something creative”! The point was to not prejudge any experience but to simply explore new things in life and let your mind wander.

So, a few examples from the class included Shari and I taking a resin art class and building a rose bouquet 🌹 from Lego’s. We had a blast and we now really seek “new” experiences.

The most fun I had was to finally practice and play a full song on the guitar 🎸 instead of my typical playing a few chords here and there. As a Rolling Stones fanatic I picked Jumping Jack Flash - the students at UF thought it was pretty cool and it was really fun to do.

I will not be mistaken for Keith Richards but here is my best try ==> JJ Flash

So, try something new this week!

FROM THE BLOG

The Ultimate Guide to Biking Tours for Retirees

Biking tours are a wonderful way to stay active and explore new destinations in retirement. Whether you prefer a leisurely ride through charming towns or an adventure in nature, there’s a perfect biking tour for you.

• Why Cycling is Great for Retirees – Low-impact, great for heart health, and perfect for social connections, cycling is a fantastic way to stay active and engaged.

• Top Destinations for Biking Tours – Explore stunning landscapes in the Pacific Northwest, historic routes in Charleston, or scenic vineyards in Napa Valley.

• How to Choose the Right Tour – Consider factors like fitness level, terrain preferences, e-bike options, and group size to find your ideal experience.

• Essential Gear to Pack – Comfortable clothing, a well-fitted helmet, hydration, and sun protection are must-haves for a smooth ride.

• Getting Started – Start with local rides, join a cycling group, and choose a reputable tour company for a worry-free adventure.

Biking tours offer an exciting way to embrace new adventures while staying fit and connected. With the right preparation, cycling can become a cherished part of your retirement experience!

Creative Writing: How to Tell Your Story

Retirement is the perfect time to embrace creative writing, whether it’s memoirs, short stories, or personal essays. Writing allows you to share your experiences, engage your mind, and leave a lasting legacy.

• Why Writing is a Great Hobby – It helps preserve memories, boosts cognitive health, and provides a creative outlet.

• How to Get Started – Set a writing routine, find inspiration from life experiences, and use prompts to spark ideas.

• Storytelling Tips – Use vivid details, develop your unique voice, and structure your writing with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

• Sharing Your Writing – Consider self-publishing, blogging, joining writing groups, or creating a collection for family and friends.

• Enjoy the Process – Writing is not just about the final product; it’s about expressing yourself and finding fulfillment in storytelling.

Writing is a powerful way to reflect, create, and connect. No matter your experience level, your story is worth telling!

How to Mentally Prepare for Retirement: Key Tips

Retirement is an exciting but challenging transition, requiring more than just financial readiness. Many retirees are surprised by the emotional and psychological changes that come with this new chapter of life. By mentally preparing, you can embrace retirement with purpose and confidence.

• Acknowledge Emotional Changes: Expect feelings of loss or isolation as you leave your career behind, and recognize these are normal parts of the transition.

• Redefine Your Purpose: Focus on personal fulfillment by exploring new hobbies, volunteering, or learning new skills.

• Build Routines: Establish a flexible schedule that includes social, physical, and intellectual activities to keep you active and engaged.

• Manage Financial Anxiety: Creating a retirement budget can ease financial stress, helping you enjoy life more fully.

• Seek Support if Needed: Consider talking to a therapist or retirement coach if emotional challenges feel overwhelming.

Retirement offers a chance to redefine your purpose and pursue new goals, but mental preparation is essential. By recognizing emotional challenges, setting new routines, and seeking support if necessary, you can fully enjoy this exciting stage of life. Start today and make your retirement a fulfilling and joyful experience!

PRESENTED BY NATURES MADE

Wellness is about more than just diet and exercise. It’s about how you treat yourself in the small moments throughout your day. Whether you're spending time with loved ones, practicing gratitude, or simply taking a moment to breathe, these mindful breaks can have a huge effect on your overall well-being.

By embracing these moments, you create space for both mental clarity and physical wellness. Nature Made encourages you to prioritize self-care. Discover their resources for supporting your wellness at their website.

PARTING WORDS

Have a great week!

RESOURCE ROUNDUP

Useful links and resources:

🙏 Support the AARP Foundation to support programs aimed at increasing economic opportunities and social connections for seniors. Your involvement can help combat isolation and improve the quality of life for older adults. Make a difference with your time and expertise!

💡 Beachcombing: Walk along the shore collecting seashells and treasures. It’s a gentle, enjoyable way to spend an afternoon by the sea.

☀️ Recent articles and posts from the Happily Ever Retired blog!

🔗 Resources to help you navigate retirement issues.

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