Hello, my friend,

I've noticed that you've been a little off lately.

What's going on? Have you been feeling lonely, restless, anxious, or lost?

If so, you are not alone and nothing is wrong with you. This is part of our retirement journey that many people don't talk about. 

Just the other day I was sitting on my porch thinking about how retirement can be like sailing on the Titanic. Remember? It’s the ship that hit the iceberg and sank back in the early 1900s.

Picture a magnificent ship gliding through the ocean, unaware of what lies beneath the surface. Suddenly, it crashes into an iceberg lurking in the water, hidden from sight. Well, my friend, when it comes to retirement, many seniors like us may have their finances planned out, but they often underestimate the emotional and psychological challenges that lie beneath the surface.

You see, retirement brings about a major shift in our lives. For years, our routines and identities have been tied to our work. Our jobs become a part of who we are, and our everyday lives revolve around them. But when retirement knocks on our door, it's like stepping into uncharted territory without a map or a compass.

You feel me, right? This transition can stir up a whole mix of emotions. We might be excited about the possibilities, but there's also uncertainty and maybe even a touch of sadness. We're leaving behind a familiar way of life and stepping into the unknown.

But don't worry my friend, there are ways to navigate these emotional waters and make our retirement journey smoother. First things first, it's important to acknowledge the significance of this life transition and give ourselves permission to feel whatever emotions come up.

Here’s the thing, you are NOT ALONE! I’m going to share with you some stories and research I’ve found that help explain why this period of your life may not feel so joyful.

When I wrote my book “The Game of Joy: The Secret to Creating Your Own Happiness Even When Life is Stressful”, I realized that living a joyful life is just as much about healing our pain and shifting those limiting beliefs that get in the way of our joy as it is doing things that bring us joy. These “Joy Blockers”, hidden beneath the water create experiences of “unjoy”.

So, my dear friend, as we continue our time together, let's keep in mind that retirement is like embarking on a grand adventure with ups and downs. While financial planning is important, we also need to prepare ourselves emotionally and psychologically. Otherwise, like the iceberg, those joy blockers could sink our ship on this retirement journey.

Which “Phase” of retirement are you in?

Hey, guess what? I stumbled upon this powerful video about the “4 Phases of Retirement”, and I couldn't wait to share it with you! Seriously, it's such an eye-opener.

Dr. Riley Moynes breaks down retirement into these four distinct phases in this TEDx Talk with over 2 million views!

I was blown away by some of the numbers he shared from the beginning and couldn't stop watching. You've got to check it out – it's packed with valuable insights and tips that will totally change the way you think about planning and living in retirement. Trust me, it's a game-changer!

Did you know the Ex-Starbucks President went through retirement depression?

I recently watched this video and it really hit me deeply. It's about this business professional who went through one of the toughest periods in his life and trust me, it's relatable on so many levels.

Many of us think that if you are rich and successful that you would be joyful all the time right?

Well, he was the president of Starbucks Coffee, kind of a big deal, right? After dedicating 21 years to the company, he made the tough decision to retire and move on. But here's the thing, he thought he understood the impact it would have on him, but boy, was he wrong.

As soon as he left, anxiety started creeping in, and before he knew it, he was trapped in a severe depression that lasted for two whole years. Can you imagine feeling like your life isn't worth living? It was that serious for him. He lost his sense of self and felt completely lost.

So, one day, he was lying on the sofa, feeling at his lowest, and he came across this thought: "How is your life's worth tied to your life's work?" It was like a lightbulb moment out of nowhere. He pondered on it and realized that his life's work had always been about serving and helping others. That's what he did at Starbucks, and that's what gave his life meaning.

Now, here's the interesting part. He realized that he could still continue with his life's work of serving others, even though he wasn't in the same position anymore. He didn't know how, but he decided to give it a shot. Over the course of six months, he slowly crawled out of that dark hole of depression by helping others and embracing his mission to nurture the human spirit.

But wait, it doesn't end there. He still battles anxiety and depression from time to time, like many of us do. However, he's learned to manage it and find ways to contribute and matter in the world. It turns out that feeling like you're making a difference can be a powerful healing force.

He mentioned something that really resonated with me. He said, "I am enough. I have enough. I do enough." Those words hit deep. And he even has another affirmation: "I love myself unconditionally." It's incredible how affirmations and self-love can make a difference when we're feeling lost and down.

But you know what? The most important thing he mentioned was getting help. Even when we feel like we don't need it or don't know where to go, seeking professional support can make a world of difference. He tried different counselors until he found someone who could give him the feedback and interaction he needed. Communication played a big role in his healing journey.

So, my friend, I think you should give this video a watch. It's a heartfelt story of resilience and finding meaning when life throws you off balance. It's a reminder that we all have the power to contribute and make a difference, no matter our circumstances. And if you're going through a tough time or struggling with your sense of self-worth, it might just give you the inspiration and motivation you need.

Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Reach out for help, embrace affirmations, and find ways to contribute, even in small ways. You matter, my friend, and watching this video might just remind you of that.

What’s the connection between retirement & depression?

I came across this fascinating article that explores the impact of retirement on our mental health, particularly the risk of depression. It's a revealing read, and I invite you to check it out.

Article by Nina Chamlou on PsychCentral

The article starts off by explaining how work provides us with a sense of purpose, achievement, and social connections. So when we retire, that all goes away, and it can leave a big void in our lives. That's when some people may experience feelings of sadness and even depression. But the article doesn't stop at just highlighting the problem. It dives deeper into the factors that can contribute to retirement-related depression, like losing a spouse, living alone, financial strain, and health challenges.

What I found really interesting is that it helps us understand the difference between sadness and depression. It's not just feeling down; it's a clinical condition that requires attention and treatment. The article lists the symptoms of depression, which can be quite eye-opening. Knowing these signs can be really valuable in identifying if someone we know might be going through it.

But don't worry, my friend, it's not all doom and gloom. The article also provides practical strategies to manage depression and make the most of retirement. It suggests a gradual transition, finding new activities and interests, creating structure through a schedule, and setting new goals. It even talks about the positive health effects that retirement can have when approached with the right mindset.

I know you're open to personal growth and well-being, so I thought this article would really resonate with you. It offers valuable insights and tips that can make a real difference in our lives or the lives of our loved ones who may be transitioning into retirement. Plus, it's written in a friendly and relatable style, so it's an easy and enjoyable read.

So, my friend, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and give this article a go. I'm confident you'll find it thought-provoking and empowering. Let's navigate retirement with resilience and make it a phase of life that brings us joy, purpose, and fulfillment.

What did you think about our conversation today?

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We can dive deeper into some of these topics and explore joyful options the next time we see each other. How does that sound?

Same place, same time next week?

Sending You Lots of Joy,

~Yasmin