Road Rules during Retirement #2

                   Balancing your new life
              
The following list of ideas should be considered non scientific suggestions. They are one man's opinion. We hope they help.
                       
Now that we are through working and raising kids it's time to rethink that lifestyle. Those everyday habits need to be reevaluated.


Without full time work we have time to develop bad habits, go nuts or both. Here is a list of interests that might help balance your life. (key word..... balance)

1. If you don't have a mate, get one. I don't know why but all the studies show a married man lives several years longer than a single one. I know some say it just seems longer, but really, that's what the studies say. I will forewarn you just any old spouse won't do. Rule number one, don't marry an idiot. Rule number two, most of the rest of them will work if you try hard enough. Look for common sense. It's the one characteristic that will carry us through most of life's craziness. Having been married three times I feel imminently qualified to bring you this advice.

2. Family---by now most of us have kids and grandkids. For those who don't I am sure you have come up with nephews and nieces or some other familial substitute. Family is your keel. Keep them as close as you can. Sometimes that doesn't work out. Lord, do I know. Family is important to your well being, as well as theirs. It's a big deal.

3. Spiritualism and religion. I'm not preaching but if you have not filled this void I would strongly suggest you get busy. Without some sort of faith you're leaving yourself open to all sorts of problems. I bet I don't have to explain that one. If I do, you won't get it any way.

4. Learning and knowledge. Choose a favorite subject. Then study it. Everyone needs brain activity and if you are not pursuing knowledge brain cobwebs begin to grow. I hate that. Mine is American history.

5. Culture  ..television does not count. I'm talking about getting out of the house and going someplace interesting. Read the Sunday entertainment section, look for a show or concert you'd like to see. Act on it. Call for reservations, get a ticket and go. The key here is getting out of the house and away from the TV. Do it for head and heart.

6. Which leads me to dreams. Always keep a dream alive. Keep something fun in your future. Make a social or event calendar. Pull it out when you're wondering what life's all about. It will perk you up.

7. Health is top priority. Do you know what kills most folks ? They are too damned scared to go to the doctor. It's really simple. Go get your annual physical and do what the doctor says. Don't fool with this one. It'll kill you.

8. Exercise is important. Think of an exercise program as preventive maintenance. Go ahead, spend the money, sign yourself up at a local health club. Go down there two or three times a week. Don't over do it. The main thing is the cardio, balance and stamina. The rest pretty well falls in line.

9. Read for pleasure. I know I talked about studying to grow the brain but from time to time you need to read a good barn burner. Here's a few of my favorites, Randy Wayne White, Tony Hillerman, James Lee Burke, James McMurtry and Cormac McCarthy. There's nothing like a good mystery to move that recliner around the world.

10. Feed your Epicurean. Watch the paper for a new or interesting place to dine. Go try them out. Get out of the house. If you're a bar-b-q aficionado then keep on the look out for new places to "grade". If you're into upscale places, then go. Get out of house, have a little fun. Become an expert, write a blog on your findings. Have fun with it. Dining out is the closet thing to travel.

11. Travel is something we love. Now's the time folks. It doesn't matter if you go around the world or around the corner, a change of scenery is good for the heart and soul. I've always heard travel is the best educator. I believe it.


12. The last is more psychological than anything. We need something in our lives to make us feel productive. It can be a part time or full time job. Caution, we all know the greeter's job may be work but it's not necessarily fulfilling. The sense of productivity might come from an enjoyable pastime. Some folks like to work in the yard. Others enjoy producing actual food from their garden. And there is always the bird house builder or quilter or hooked rugs or..or ..or ..there is an unlimited list of options. Whatever turns you on is what you should pursue. If you can supplement the income with this pursuit then we really have a winner.


Next ......More things to do and think about...






     These ideas brought to you by the "usual suspects" at:






                    The Boomer Magazine


                                      and


                            John Boykin




                      The Hard Hat Photographer


  
                          john@commimage.com