t 26 | July 26, 2024 How to emotionally ease into retirement IRENE ROTH Times Freelance Columnist Retirement marks a signifi- cant life transition for all of us that brings a mix of sl and apprehension. We wait for & with breathless siicnanee Yet, when we finally retire, we feel lost and purposeless. This can be hard to cope with in the beginning. The shift from a structured working life to a more flexible lifestyle can be challenging, es- pecially on an emotional level. But it is possible to recreate a life for yourself that is healthy and emotionally refreshing, im- bued with purpose and meaning. In other words, easing into retirement requires thoughtful Stratford Times preparation, self-awareness, and proactive steps to embrace this new phase with Positivity and fulfillment. It requires that we accept that our life will be different and will feel weird for a while. That’s all part of the process of recreating a life for yourself. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you emotionally transi- tion into retirement smoothly. First, accept that’s it a big change. Retirement is a major life change that can affect your sense of identity and purpose. Acknowledge that it’s normal to experience a range of emotions, from joy and relief to anxiety and uncertainty. Understanding that these feelings are a natural part of the transition can help you manage them more effec- tively. Second, take time to reflect on your career and the accomplish- ments you've achieved. Cele- brate the milestones and contri- butions you’ve made. This can help provide closure and create a positive foundation for moving forward. Third, set realistic goals and expectations for your retire- ment. While it can be a time of freedom and exploration, it also comes with its own set of chal- lenges. Being prepared for both the ups and downs can help you navigate this new chapter more smoothly. Fourth, identify your passions. Retirement offers the opportuni- ty to pursue activities and inter- ests that you may have put aside during your working years. Re- flect on what truly excites and motivates you. Whether it’s traveling, gardening, painting, or volunteering, engaging in ac- tivities that you are passionate about can bring a renewed sense of purpose and joy. Fifth, set personal goals can provide direction and a sense of achievement. These goals don’t have to be grand. They can be as simple as learning a new hob- by, reading a certain number of books, or improving your fit- ness level. Having something to strive for keeps you motivated and engaged. Sixth, volunteer and give back as much as you can. Many re- tirees find fulfillment in giving back to their communities. Vol- unteering can provide a sense of purpose, build social connec- tions, and make a positive im- pact. Find causes that resonate with you and offer your time and skills to help others. Seventh, stay mentally sharp. Keeping your mind sharp is cru- cial for emotional well-being. Engage in activities that stimu- late your brain, such as reading, puzzles, learning new skills, or taking courses. Lifelong learn- ing can provide a sense of ac- complishment and keep your mind engaged. Eighth, practice Mindfulness and Relaxation. Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can help reduce stress and promote emotional balance. These practices encourage you to live in the present moment, manage anxiety, and cultivate a Positive outlook. Ninth, nurture existing rela- tionships. Retirement provides more time to invest in your re- lationships. Strengthen connec- tions with family and friends through regular visits, calls, or virtual meetings. These rela- tionships can provide emotional upp ut and a sense of belong- Ing. Tenth, stay open to new ex- periences. Retirement is a time to explore new possibilities. Be open to trying new activities, traveling to new places, and meeting new people. Embracing change with a positive attitude can lead to unexpected joys and opportunities. Eleventh, be patient with your- self. Adjusting to retirement is a gate this transition. Allow your- self to feel a range of emotions and understand that it’s okay to take things one step at a time. So, be sure to make self-care a priority for yourself. Easing into retirement emo- tionally involves more than just financial preparation; it requires self-awareness, planning, and a proactive approach to well-be- ing. By understanding the emo- tional impact, finding new pur- pose, maintaining mental health, building social connections, em- bracing change, and creating a new routine, you can navigate this transition smoothly and en- joy a fulfilling and joyful retire- ment. This new chapter in your life can offer endless possibili- ties for growth, exploration, and happiness. Embrace it with an open heart and a positive mind- set. BRUCE WHITAKER Times Freelance Columnist Just spend a few minutes on Facebook groups Stratford.Life and Stratford. Connect and it be- other when we disagree, espe- cially during these volatile times. In such. conversations, we often fail to listen to the nuance in ar- guments, jump to conclusions and sometimes enter discussions no matter what it takes. This con- We need to talk stant negative connection makes us shallower thinkers and more impatient with others. ivil discourse is the practice of deliberating about matters of public concern in a way that seeks to expand knowledge and promote understanding while maintaining a level of respect. In essence, it is about collaborating with others to achieve mutual- ly satisfying results. The word “civil” relates directly to civic in the sense of being oriented to- ward public life. Small cities, such as Stratford, may offer the best places to prac- tice civil discourse by addressing divisive public issues. People in smaller places care, in part, be- cause they see the direct results of local decisions. If municipal government and civic groups are motivated and capable, they can affect positive and genuine dis- course. Recently, there has been de- bate on whether certain Stratford residents should be allowed to voice their concerns to Stratford city council based on recent be- haviour. The city ultimately de- cided that a few residents were inappropriate through their be- haviour. They were banned from council meetings and city facili- ties for a stated length of time. It caused dissension. The end result has been a lack of civility be- tween the parties and a growing division of trust. A more constructive approach to discourse is offered through the teachings of Milan Kordes- tani in his book, I’m Just Saying: A Guide to Maintaining Civil Discourse in an Incredibly Di- vided World. The author suggests entering conversations with a ba- sic level of trust and sincerity. Each side is made up of human lives bringing with them their own fears, concerns, hopes, and anxieties. It is up to all parties to do their best to begin and end every encounter with the same common courtesy. Meeting each other on the common ground of shared humanity eases the grasp- ing of differing perspectives. Mr. Kordestani goes further by suggesting thoughtful ques- tions that demonstrate openness by going deeper, and trying to stay curious. Discussions need to move from “I know everything about them and their position” to “TI wonder if I fully understand what they are saying.” It’s all about becoming more informed. He stresses that the best way to bring civility to the discussion i is forth until pe speaker’s position is understoos The pease in Stratford is creating a fearful environment of being misunderstood leading to blowback — people are much less likely to communicate. Banning residents is not a wise choice as it limits communication, leaving questions unanswered. Instead, we should be welcoming the val- ued contributions of citizens and embrace Obvious- to try to dispel and fear eee by false narra- tives that separate us. The American education sys- tem recently adopted, as part of its peace curriculum, a civil discourse component. The ob- jective is for students to advance the understanding of one another through more effective listening. The “speaking” students share their points of view. Once the speakers are. finished, the “lis- tening” students summarize the words of the speaker. Should the listener not be accurate, the speaker provides clarification. The dialogue goes back and ly, there may be a few who are not as civil as others, however, the greater importance is in the message to all that they truly matter. The City of Stratford would be prudent to take the first step to improving relationships by reaching out to residents in order to create public forums that have some authority and legitimacy, leading ultimately to positive, collaborative This could go a long way to reestab- lishing the trust that is required for a truly well functioning com- munity. SUBMIT YOUR LETTER TO THE EDITOR TO US! CALL 519-655-2341 OR EMAIL STRATFORDTIMES@GMAIL.COM