‍“I don’t know what day it is any more.”

I hear this nearly every day. It usually gets shrugged off with a smile because retirement is all about being on permanent holiday. It doesn’t matter what day it is, in fact, “Every day’s Sunday. Yeah”

“People used to ask me what I do. Now I’m just retired.”

Often met with a shrug, more in resignation than carefree abandon. This is a little depressing because it feeds the key human fears of not belonging, not being good enough, not being valued, even not being loved.

“I’m flat out but I don’t know what at.”

Without some sort of structure or rhythm to follow, it’s difficult to focus. Priorities can blur and timing becomes an issue.

“I used to have a list of unfinished projects, now I haven’t got any started.”

Too much time demotivates. Without some perceived urgency, creating a starting point for any project, event or undertaking can be very difficult.

“My world feels smaller.”

It is. Work occupies 33 percent of every working day involving an established network of friends, colleagues and clients. Banter is bountiful and comradery is comforting. This is a huge limb to sever.

How is this a problem?

A healthy working life rhythm is pretty stable, governed by responsibilities, ambitions, goals and recreational activities. The eight areas of our life:

·       Income

·       Health

·       Assets

·       Environment

·       Relationships

·       Community

·       Personal growth

·       Fun and recreation

are balanced through necessity. Earning an income is the clear priority and since it takes up so much time, all the rest are massaged as best we can. You might say that our working life rhythm is pretty much managed for us.

When we retire, the conductor we are so used to looking up to, retires and takes their music with them.

The simple act of retiring is like a tsunami. Active income ceases, leaving a trough in front of the wave cresting dangerously high with an exorbitant volume of free time.

Don’t panic.

It might be a tsunami but it’s only one wave. Once free from its grasp you’ll be shaken up but you’ll quickly start stroking the water rhythmically and swimming safely toward your destination.

Whether you’re a back stroker, freestyler or doggy paddler doesn’t matter. The important thing is that you find a rhythm that not only keeps you afloat but propels you to where you want to be.

As a Baby Boomer I get the rhythm of life. There are times for head banging, boppin’, hoppin’, rockin’, even moshing within limits. Every worthy endeavour has a unique rhythm, from swimming, playing music, dancing, sport, writing, sleeping, driving, painting. OK, just for those who were thinking it and would be disappointed if I didn’t go there, lovemaking.

Retirement isn't about keeping the same tempo. It's about finding a tempo that suits this stage of life.

‍

If you’d like help finding your rhythm and plan how to enjoy your retirement resources check out our Finding your retirement rhythm workshops.

‍

At 71, Charlie Griffiths is still working, still curious,and still saying "yes" to new challenges.

‍