Rediscover Joy After Retirement: Leisure Activities That Define Your Adventure
As you approach retirement, you’re preparing for an exciting new chapter filled with endless possibilities, refreshing experiences, and boundless adventures. However, some may fear retirement is a time of loss and lack of purpose. We here at Blue are here to remind you that retirement is not simply an endpoint but a gateway to a life filled with discovery, fulfillment, and joy. Retirement marks the beginning of your real life, and we are committed to empowering individuals to embrace it as the ultimate adventure. Join us as we share insight on how to make the most of your life after retirement.
Self-Discover: Finding New Hobbies
Retirement marks the end of a lifetime of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. It’s a time to bid farewell to the corporate world’s chains and welcome the freedom to explore, pursue passions, and redefine what it means to truly live. We champion the belief that retirement isn’t about slowing down; it’s about seizing the reins of life and embracing the start to your self-discovery and personal growth.
Finding a hobby is not only a great way to pass the time, but it also has several benefits for your physical and mental health. Hobbies can help to reduce stress, improve mood, increase creativity, and boost self-esteem. Engaging in a hobby can also provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment outside of work or other responsibilities.
After high school, life hits quick and it hits hard. Suddenly all those instruments you wanted to test out, all the books you wanted to read, all the flowers you wanted to paint, you forget about. Growing up, you may have watched martial arts films and dreamt of becoming the next Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid. But that dream faded with work, kids, and other responsibilities, so you may never have had the chance to make that dream a reality. But now, you have the opportunity to take off your shoes, tie your belt, step onto the mat, and learn to wipe-on and wipe-off. If fighting isn’t your style, here are a few more recommendations:
Reading: Whether you enjoy fiction, non-fiction, or graphic novels, reading is a great way to relax and expand your knowledge. Reese’s Book Club is a great place to go online to check out potential book recommendations.
Painting or drawing: Creating art can be a wonderful outlet for creativity and self-expression. A personal favorite our team at Blue likes to go visit is Flydragon Design Art Studio.
Playing music: Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned musician, playing an instrument can be a great way to unwind and improve your skills. A great place to find lessons is Takelessons.com. You can learn various instruments by skilled instructors online.
Gardening: Gardening can be a therapeutic and rewarding hobby that allows you to connect with nature and grow your own food. Here’s a list of garden clubs and classes from Southern Colorado to Cheyenne, WY.
- Cheynne, Wyoming: Prairie Garden Club
- Fort Collins, Colorado: The Gardens on Spring Creek
- Denver, Colorado: Denver Botanic Garden
- Colorado Springs, Colorado: Colorado Federation of Garden Clubs
- San Luis Valley, Colorado: North River Greenhouse & Landscaping
Hiking or camping: Spending time in nature can be a great way to recharge and get some exercise at the same time. Check out our favorite spots!
- Arrowhead Point Campground
- Lone Duck Campground
- La Vista Campground
- Horsetooth Reservoir
- Curt Gowdy
- Guernsey
- Flaming Gorge
Cooking or baking: Trying out new recipes and experimenting with different ingredients can be a fun and delicious hobby. If you’re in the Colorado Springs area, The French Kitchen is a great spot to try out!
Volunteering: Volunteering in retirement not only fills time with meaningful activities but also significantly enhances personal well-being and community health. Engaging in volunteer work can range from local commitments at schools and parks to national efforts through organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the Peace Corps. Here’s a guide to navigating the diverse opportunities available for those interested in giving back during their retirement years. Great Nonprofits is a great site to help locate nearby nonprofits to volunteer at.
Ultimately, the key to finding a fulfilling hobby is to experiment and try new things until you find something that you enjoy and that fits into your lifestyle. So, why not give it a try and see where your new hobby takes you? Don’t be afraid to be a lifelong learner.
Start Your Dream of a Business
If you’ve ever dreamt of starting a business, now is the perfect time to turn that vision into reality. Imagine channeling your years of experience, wisdom, and passion into a venture that excites you. The possibilities are endless, whether it’s a cozy coffee shop, a charming bed and breakfast, or an innovative online store.
Owning a business after retirement isn’t just about financial gain; it’s about embracing a new chapter filled with purpose and creativity. It’s a chance to build something meaningful, connect with your community, and stay engaged with the world. Plus, with the flexibility to set your schedule, you can balance work with leisure, travel, and quality time with loved ones.
With careful planning and a dash of entrepreneurial spirit, you can create a thriving business that sustains you and brings joy and fulfillment. Your retirement could be the beginning of your most exciting adventure yet. Let Blue help you finance your new journey with our business loans!
Reunite with loved ones
Spending time with old friends’ post-retirement is a refreshing trip down memory lane with offerings of nostalgic joy. To make the most of these reunions consider:
Hosting a Reunion: Throw a lively get-together filled with laughter and reminiscing. Make it extra fun with custom t-shirts featuring cherished memories and playful nicknames on the back. It’s all about celebrating the good times!
Plan Group Activities: Make travel plans to discover new places together. Not only will you gain a deeper understanding of the world, but you’ll also create opportunities for fresh starts, filled with breathtaking sunsets and sunrises.
Start a Hobby Club: Pursue shared interests like gardening or cooking. Embracing a hobby together brings peace of mind and enriches your inner self and wants for lifelong learning.
Volunteer Together: Volunteering with friends is a win-win. It strengthens important relationships, creates lasting memories, and gives back to those around you. Together, you’ll discover hidden gems in your community and open doors to new friendships and new beginnings.
Remember, the power of friendship enriches every phase of life.
Book a vacation: Explore the world
As you enter your golden years, you are gifted with the most precious commodity of all—time. It’s a blank canvas eagerly awaiting the strokes of your dreams and aspirations. Some fear that budget constraints might hinder their travel plans. Don’t be afraid to travel! Here are some money-saving tips for traveling along with some financial planning advice:
Plan and Budget: Research destinations, accommodation, and activities in advance. Set a realistic budget and stick to it. Look for deals and discounts on flights, hotels, and attractions. Here are a few sites that will help you save money. AARP and The Senior List are two great sources on ways to save money.
Travel Off-Season: Prices are often lower during off-peak seasons. Plus, you’ll encounter fewer crowds, allowing for a more enjoyable experience.
Use Reward Points: Take advantage of credit card reward programs and airline miles to save on flights and hotels. Many loyalty programs offer perks such as free nights and upgrades.
Consider Alternative Accommodations: Instead of traditional hotels, explore options like hostels, vacation rentals, or homestays. These can be more affordable and offer a more authentic local experience. Some sites to consider browsing when looking for accommodations include:
Pack Light: Avoid checked baggage fees by packing light and sticking to carry-on luggage. This also makes it easier to move around and reduces the risk of lost luggage.
Extend Your Retirement to the Sea
Imagine waking up to a new breathtaking view every morning, with the sea stretching out before you and a fresh adventure awaiting at every port. A cruise isn’t just a vacation; it’s an experience that combines relaxation, exploration, and endless excitement all in one seamless journey.
Cruise Options: Cruises are a fantastic way to travel on a budget. In fact, they’re so affordable that some people choose to live on cruise ships, finding it more convenient and enjoyable than living in an apartment after retirement.
Resort Options: Resorts like Sandals, Club Med, and RIU often offer all-inclusive packages that can be more cost-effective than paying for meals and activities separately.
It’s a time for exploration, personal growth, and embracing the richness of life. Retirement isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of your grand adventure. We’re dedicated to guiding you on this exhilarating path, sharing wisdom and resources to help you seize every moment and craft a retirement filled with fulfillment and joy. Together, let’s embark on this extraordinary voyage and unlock the boundless treasures that lie ahead.