Illumined Life Leadership

A few weeks ago I blogged about Pushing Through on something that is either important for you, or will help you get to that very next level. I truly enjoy the process of pushing through, and this month I’ve been working on my very own project — one that I have been putting off for quite some time. We all have those, don’t we?

Since knowing and leveraging my strengths is very effective for me, I tap into my talent of “activating,” which basically states that in order for me to feel on point, launching things often is very important for me. In the same way, NOT starting something that I know I need to start takes me off track.

Because my project has to do with planning, the idea of retirement came up. Suddenly, I’m paying more attention to the commercials Prudential has been putting out (which I feel are quite impactful) and beginning to imagine what I truly want my “retirement” to look and feel like. I visualize traveling (a lot!), enjoying daily life with my family, and engaging in super fun and youthful activities (hee hee!). Connecting my idea of “retirement” to something meaningful and exciting really helps me to look at it differently.

It doesn’t surprise me then, that one of the factors we know causes the feeling of “happiness” is being able to work hard to achieve something of importance or meaning to us. Shouldn’t our retirement be one of those things? Perhaps it is a time of rest for some, or for others, transformation, healing, or adventure. (Personally, I like adventure!)

Thinking about it is motivating me to redefine the word “retirement.” Let’s simply break down the word:

Retire: to withdraw to or from a particular place

Ment: this suffix can hold several meanings, but the one I’m drawn to is “State of Amazement!”

So, here’s my chosen new meaning of Retirement …

To Withdraw to a State of Amazement! (WSA)

Is this not the hippest way to look at retirement?

YES! If I don’t say so myself!

With this new way of looking at retirement, envisioning what we want and planning how we are going to make it happen becomes a happy planning activity for us.

What’s your vision for your WSA?

Can you tap into one of your strengths to help you think of retirement differently?

Please share your thoughts, or perhaps some great pictures of your new vision for WSA!

Finally, if having the “money talk” is uneasy for you, check out this video from LearnVest to help you get started.

It’s your life. Lead it well!

Namaste,

Monique