☀️ Hurricane Helene

Greetings!

We want to send our prayers and support to everybody whose lives have been affected by Hurricane Helene.

It is so sad to see the loss of life, loss of home, and the pure devastation the storm caused from Florida to Georgia to North Carolina and beyond.

We will visit Blowing Rock, NC, tomorrow to check on our place. We are blessed that we only had minor water intrusion damage - this is nothing compared to the pictures and videos we have seen.

Hopefully, while we are up there, we can give a hand where needed…

 Embrace Your Best Life! 

~ Curt & Shari Roese

WELLNESS
Best meditation Apps

Meditation significantly improves mental clarity, reduces stress, and enhances well-being. Did you know that 14% of adults in the U.S. have tried meditation? Finding a simple, effective app can make starting or continuing your practice more accessible than ever. Below are some of the best meditation apps to help you get started.

• Calm: Offers guided meditation for relaxation and stress relief, with a user-friendly interface and nature sounds.

• Headspace: Provides short, daily meditations focusing on stress and sleep management, ideal for those with busy schedules.

• Insight Timer: A free app offering a vast range of guided meditations, including topics on sleep, aging, and emotional health.

• Simple Habit: This habit app focuses on building mindfulness with short, easy meditations, covering stress and mindful walking topics.

• MyLife Meditation: This company offers personalized sessions based on mood and stress levels, with simple breathing exercises and mindfulness practices.

Meditation can improve your emotional and physical health, especially as part of a daily routine. With the right app, you can reduce stress, sleep better, and enjoy greater well-being.

Try one of these top meditation apps today to experience the benefits of mindfulness!

TRAVEL
Stay Fit While Traveling

Traveling in retirement can be exciting, but how do you stay fit while on the road? The good news is that keeping active while traveling doesn't have to be complicated!

Whether exploring new cities or relaxing in nature, here are a few simple ways to maintain your fitness routine on your next adventure.

• Bodyweight Workouts: Exercises like squats and lunges can be done anywhere without equipment, making them perfect for hotel rooms or parks.

• Walking Tours: Join a walking tour to explore new destinations while meeting your daily step goal.

• Hotel Gyms: Your hotel's fitness center or swimming pool are great places to work out before your day begins.

• Outdoor Activities: Enjoy nature with activities like hiking or kayaking to stay active and soak in beautiful scenery.

• Hydration Habits: Always carry a water bottle to stay hydrated and energized throughout your travels.

Staying fit while traveling can be as simple as making minor adjustments. By keeping active, you'll enjoy your trip even more, feel healthier, and return refreshed and ready for your next adventure.

Let's keep moving!

LIFESTYLE
Finding Joy & Purpose

Retirement is an exciting new chapter, but many find transitioning from a structured career to an unstructured time daunting. However, this phase is a perfect opportunity to explore passions, new ventures, and fulfilling activities.

Whether hobbies or starting a passion-based business, this guide offers actionable ways to find purpose and joy in retirement.

• Rediscover Passions: Reconnect with hobbies like painting, gardening, or playing music to boost emotional and mental health. Retirement provides the time and freedom to dive deep into activities you love.

• Volunteer: Giving back through local, virtual, or international volunteer work offers fulfillment and a sense of purpose. It's also a great way to stay connected with your community.

• Learn Something New: Learning new skills, such as learning a language or exploring technology, keeps your brain active and sharp, which is essential for long-term mental health.

• Start a Passion Project: Whether you turn a craft into a small business or offer freelance services, transforming your passion into a project provides purpose and extra income.

• Stay Socially Active: Nurture relationships by joining clubs, attending events, or engaging with online communities. Social connections are critical to a joyful retirement.

Retirement is the beginning of something new and exciting. There are countless ways to find joy and purpose, from reigniting old hobbies to giving back through volunteer work or starting a small business.

Embrace this time by exploring new opportunities, staying socially active, and finding what brings meaning to your life!

PRESENTED BY NATURE MADE
Starting Your Wellness Journey

Starting a wellness routine can feel daunting, especially if you don’t know where to begin. However, it’s often the simplest changes—like taking a few minutes to stretch or practicing daily gratitude—that can have the greatest effect over time. The important part is taking that first step toward a healthier lifestyle.

Nature Made understands that everyone’s wellness path is unique and offers tools to support you, regardless of your journey. Visit their website to take your first step towards a balanced routine.

SIMPLI SHARI 🩷

How are you embracing this aging journey? I’ve tried everything—supplements, creams, toners—you name it! Looking back, I wasn’t the best at caring for my skin when I was younger. We didn’t think much about SPF or anti-aging routines; they weren’t on our radar.

Now, I’m playing catch-up, and let me tell you, I’ve learned a thing or two along the way. I’ve started using products that nourish the skin, not just the fancy stuff with big promises. Retinol, Vitamin C, and hydrating serums are part of my daily routine, making a noticeable difference.

I’ve also started using red light therapy. I’ve read that it helps reduce wrinkles, age spots, inflammation, and even hair loss by promoting collagen production. My husband thought it was silly, but then I found him sticking his face in it! 🤣 What the heck - if it makes you feel better, do it!

I’m also paying attention to what I’m putting in my body - adding more collagen, Omega-3s, and plenty of water. Aging is a process, but it doesn’t mean we can’t look and feel fabulous at every stage, right? What have you discovered that works well for you?

RESOURCE ROUNDUP

Useful links and resources:

🙏 Support the Alzheimer's Association in their mission to end Alzheimer's through groundbreaking research, vital care, and essential support services—join the fight for a cure today!

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

🔗 Resources to help you navigate retirement issues.

💹 Boldin is an intuitive retirement planning tool that empowers users to create personalized, detailed plans for a secure and fulfilling future with a 14-day free trial.

💰️ Monarch Money is an all-in-one budgeting tool that helps users effortlessly track spending, set financial goals, and manage accounts with personalized insights, offering a 30-day free trial.

⚠️ Aura provides comprehensive digital security, safeguarding your personal information, financial accounts, and online privacy from cyber threats with cutting-edge technology and expert support.

PARTING WORDS

Have a great week!

ANSWERS

1. Phobia

2. Philanthropist

3. Phoenix