Yikes! I thought this was going to be fun!
The last work day has arrived - party over - stuff all packed - out the door - drove home. FREE at last! What a great feeling - or is it? You're retired - but now what? At first it's just like another vacation so all is well - you know what to do and you're actually feeling great, glad to be free, can't wait to do all the things you've always wanted to do, see the people you've wanted to see, go places where you've wanted to go.
But then something strange starts to happen. You feel lost, alone, worthless, not needed, without a plan or purpose and maybe even a little depressed. And in my case my self-esteem took a big hit! So what's going on here? Retirement is supposed to be the end all, be all! Well guess what - you've run into the dreaded 5 L's of the newly retired.
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Lost
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Lonely
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Let down
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Lack of purpose
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Low self-esteem
Is that what you are feeling? Take note - YOU ARE NOT CRAZY! This is a normal response for anyone going from 100 miles per hour down to 0. Coming to a screeching halt after working at top speed for so many years means there needs to be a period of adjustment so you can learn to slow down and recalibrate your life.
Here are a few simple tips to help you begin this transition. Remember - this is just the beginning of a transition that varies in length depending on who you are.
To counteract "feeling lost"
Spend time processing what your next role in life might be thru meditation, creating a dream board, life classes, reading, getting a life coach to help you sort it all out
To counteract "being lonely"
Keep important relationships alive by scheduling get-togethers with former work mates, meeting friends for coffee, joining groups for exercise or common interests like book clubs, church, volunteering
To counteract feeling "let down"
Engage in pursuits that "feel good" so you stay on a healthy path. The Emotional Guidance System from the book Ask and It is Given shows you how your emotions can guide you in the direction of what is the best decision for you at any time. Click here for more info
To counteract "lack of purpose"
Create a simple schedule for your day so you feel in control of your destiny. Since you are used to doing this for work, keep it going but schedule all the things you WANT to do (like exercise) instead of all the things you HAD to do like you did before.
To counteract "low self-esteem"
Shift your focus from feeling negative about yourself and remember how great you were for all those years you worked. You still have all those talents and achievements and are still the STAR you always were. But now you can apply it to new and exciting opportunities "on your own terms".
Now you might be grateful for all these self-help tips, but still know you need some support while going thru this transition. Why not consider having a Life Coach?
I know you hate asking for help but having a coach worked for me and made all the difference in my "recovery and rejuvenation".
Want to know more about the process? Contact me at [email protected] and we can talk about what that would be like.
Be well on your journey!
" Coach" Carol