Enriched versus a rich lifestyle

On my return from my overseas trip, I wrote about how the travel refocused me – made me review my life and question if anything needed to be done to change it.

One of the things I noticed was that as a Baby Boomer, I’m constantly thinking more about what’s next. Colleagues often talk about not wanting to work, the pleasure principle and freedom. As younger adults we dream and strive for this, however I have come to realise there is more to life.

The challenge

So, I am asking myself and I challenge you to ask yourself, what is it we are truly seeking?

From all the research, reading newspaper articles, speaking with the older generation, it seems evident and vital that you must strive for other things to maintain an ‘enriched’ lifestyle as you age—mentally and physically—not necessarily a ‘rich’ lifestyle.

In order to achieve this lifestyle and to keep that spark in your eye, there are six vital approaches that could be called mandatory:

Six vital senses to strive for: 

1. Purpose;
2. Drive;
3. Passion;
4. Inner peace;
5. Being loved and to love; and,
6. Maintaining hope.

Do something about it

You are the only one who can do something about it and it does not have to be immediate.

We all have those inner conversations about what we would like to do and it is not easy to change. It is natural to mull over ideas to gain the inner strength to find out what path to take.  Then you plan on how to go about it.

For example, presently I ponder on how and when I will retire and know that it is not quite the time yet. There are things to do financially, I enjoy my work environment, and I need to be ready mentally. However when it happens I will be ready. I already have plenty of interests and passions. Establishing a solid network of friends helps, although there are many who don’t have this.

Excuses we put up

I can’t tell you how often I hear comments and excuses for change such as:

 “I don’t have many friends”

Response:  Question why this may be the case and how can you change this. Are you too judgemental/critical of people, are you rude, do you ask questions about others, and are you approachable? Do you forgive people? We all make mistakes and are capable of hurting each other. Forgiveness takes a huge burden off your shoulders even though you never forget. Strive to remain positive about life.

“I don’t know where to meet people”

Response: If you are out of your house you meet people. A simple ‘hello’ in a lift, on the bus, in a shop and smile! If you have something you like to do there are Meet-up groups everywhere that cater for almost everything nowadays. http://www.meetup.com/

“I’m too old”

“I don’t know how to do it”

Response: If you have a brain and can move, then you don’t need anything else other than the will to do something. Age has got nothing to do with it; it is attitude and about choices.

Eight things you can do about it:

1. Seek a sense of purpose and keeping looking until you find one;
2. Find a passion and pursue it no matter how small it may seem;
3. Never give up the drive to improve;
4. Rely on yourself first;
5. If you need help then ask for it;
6. Make friends, meet new people;
7. Do not be a victim; and,
8. Be thankful for small mercies.

From my recent reflection I realised there are some positives about being a Baby Boomer – one of them is hindsight and the other is no regrets.

We are all a work in progress.

Read the full article and other blogs by Ruth at her Nanny Babe blog.