“Let’s have fun!” I have been told that this is the mission statement for Disney World. And having fun is one of the many fantasies and expectations we have about life after retirement.
In my family, the embodiment of that mandate to “have fun” was our retired Aunt Hannah. Whether playing bridge, baking her coveted chocolate pecan squares, or inviting one of her nieces or nephews to the latest Broadway play, Aunt Hannah would smile and say, “When did I have time to work?” In fact, it became a family joke that before we could plan any extended family matters, we would always have to consult Aunt Hannah’s social calendar first! She became the role model for “how to have fun and not be bored in retirement.”
Webster defines “fun” as “fun.” Well that’s very good. But in reality, one person’s idea of ”fun” may be anathema to another. The important thing in retirement is that you find your own self “fun recipe” and determine the magical ingredients that combine to form your perfect and fun formula.
Let’s start with that secret wish you’ve always had about something Would you like to try. Your fun could start there. Then you could move on to somewhere you’ve always wanted to explore. Gold somebody who emulates in private and would even love to experience, or even meet, in person. It’s yours something square dance, and you somewhere Nepal? It’s yours somebody Prince Harry or Willie Nelson or the Dalai Lama?
An important ingredient for your own version of fun is your natural gifts. Now be realistic. If you had a date with a tree on your first (and only) ski trip, (and on the “kid’s track!”) … If you fell off your horse during your first riding lesson … If the lifeguard had to jump into the pool to rescue you from the shallow end. .. So these can be activities that are fun for others, but not for you. And you should probably reconsider adding them to your own fun wish list in the future.
Reading is my idea of fun. Also, I really enjoy writing, traveling and learning and listening to music of all kinds. But riding a Segway will always be on my list of ways to make myself completely miserable, right up there with rock climbing and golf.
And your personality? If you know deep down in your heart that you are a little lonely, that you fear entering a room with strangers, that you usually sneak out of a cocktail at the first opportunity, and that the very words “group” or “club” “will provoke an attack. anxiety, you may be more content alone at home with a glass of wine and a movie, or playing Words with friends, or facing a Sudoku puzzle. If this sounds familiar, you may want to resist any initial urge to organize a march to Washington in support of the latest social fashion cause, or an annual trip abroad with his book club.
One word of caution … This is not to suggest that you shouldn’t try new things or that you shouldn’t venture outside of your comfort zone. Instead, recognize that it is now your time – the time for you to really identify what gives you pleasure, what amuses you, what you consider to be fun.
Whatever it is, embrace it with abandon. Dance with him like no one is watching. And do it often.
