Yeah, I’m probably pretty typical of a retiree in that I have read several books on what to do in my retirement years. To be quite frank none of them have been terribly useful to me! But that does not mean they were not worth reading. They did incite me to think about various things. Most retirement books are pretty generic: Get a hobby, enjoy the simple things, adjust your spending…. But there are tidbits of useful information out there. Just don’t expect a paradigm shift as a result of reading a retirement book.

One of the things that retirement books seem to emphasize is to stay healthy. As if I really had a choice in that regard. Yes, I do go to the YMCA three or so times a week. But most of my health problems are related to past life choices not the ones in my retirement years. So, as far as I am concerned that is a horse already out of the barn (if you understand rural analogies that is). I live with the health I have. I don’t really have much choice in that matter now. Of course “good health” is really a relative thing.

Another thing the books do emphasize is to stay busy. I certainly agree with that. But I think it is up to each of us to determine how best to do that. I don’t think anyone can really learn how to do that from a book. I enjoy writing and journal keeping so blogging was a nature for me. I also firmly believe I should show compassion for others so volunteering my time in this area was also a natural. I enjoy U.S. history so traveling around the country is also my thing.

It is up to each of us to sit down and decide what are your priorities in your retirement years and then make it happen. Sitting back and doing nothing should not be an option as it would be a very dangerous one. The only thing I would advise is to be sure you get outside of yourself. Look for opportunities where you can help others with your available time. I guarantee those will be the most rewarding moments of your retirement years. Concentrate on others not yourself.

The picture here is of one of my signature country cabinets I made for several customers in my semi-retirement years. Building cabinets and furniture was very enjoyble but after six full years of doing it, it was getting a little boring! That is one nice thing about retirement, you can shift gears whenever you want. After six years I packed up my woodworking tools and moved on to other things.

Don’t get me wrong, I have found my retirement years to be some of the most enjoyable of my life.

And the journey goes on..