Rashional Thoughts: As we navigate the years ahead, let’s take the needed steps to age well

When it’s time to schedule and prepare for retirement, focus more on what you are retiring to rather than what you are retiring from.”

We’ve routinely heard this type of guidance from experts who reference the importance of having a plan in place for the next season.

Those same experts and others also caution against taking on too much too fast, especially if it’s out of fear of having nothing to do.

Take it slow when heading into retirement and attempting to determine what your days will look like. Ask yourself if you prefer developing a new structure to your days right away or if you would enjoy some unstructured time for a bit. Read more tips here.

Pacing an important goal

Pacing is important, the experts say, as is taking some time to figure out who you are outside of the most recent role.

Much of the content in this edition of The Alabama Baptist offers resources related to planning ahead for and thriving in retirement. It’s a time for exciting new opportunities and experiences, even with the adjustments that come with aging.

Mentoring, sharing life lessons through writing projects and volunteering to serve ministries and efforts close to our heart are all great ways to spend our time, but only if we are truly inspired.

The cartoon below showcases what happens when someone gives the impression that he or she is willing to help but then becomes overly picky with what and when.

Getting a group’s hopes up or hesitating to decline when not interested costs time and energy for everyone involved.

Still, it’s hard to feel like we are disappointing others. I’ve struggled in this area my entire life, and it’s hard — but it’s also vital that we monitor our responsibility level to ensure we are caring appropriately for ourselves. Self-care allows us to give our best to the priorities in our lives and be of help to those who cross paths with us along the way.

As we navigate the years ahead, taking time to reflect on and improve the various aspects of wellness will provide the foundational pieces we need to age well.