A 5-step plan to a wonderful rest of your life
Why are some people joyful, vibrant, fulfilled at 50-plus? Is it because they have money? Or are they just lucky? Neither.
Julia Valentine condenses thousands of interviews conducted over ten years in “Joy Compass: How to Make Your Retirement the Treasure of Your Life,” her new book on the real secrets of being joyful and fulfilled at any age. Valentine’s insight is that anyone can learn the beliefs, attitudes and behaviors of people who are healthy and happy in retirement.
Her book gives the reader a roadmap to help “find unique ways to fulfill his or her needs,” Valentine says. “Research shows that doing so is essential to one’s health, comfort and joy, and ultimately, living life to the fullest.” Valentine draws on findings in psychology, motivation, creativity and brain research to help the reader create an ideal lifestyle in retirement.
With many baby boomers’ retirement at risk with the recent recession, individuals are looking at newer and more effective ways to retire. “Joy Compass” provides them with the shortcut to enjoying this treasured time. Readers learn why they will feel better with age and how to create a positive outlook on ageing that can add years to their lives.
Valentine explains the importance of creativity in health and everyday living as well as how to enjoy the new freedom to do as they please. She takes readers through the seven steps necessary to achieving the astonishing quality of life in retirement.
Here, Julia Valentine offers 5 insights into creating a great lifestyle:
Aim high
Our culture cares about achievement. But achieving comfort without joy leaves retirees under whelmed. Create a lifestyle that thrills you, and redefine life as “creating ways to be joyful.”
Insights come with change
Your brain is lazy. Break yourself out of routine — go on retreats and vacations, attend museums and expos — to get insights about yourself and the changes you want in your life. Neuroscientists tell us to bombard our brain with new experiences. It is certainly applicable to generating insights about your ideal lifestyle.
Don’t make excuses
Every major change in your life opens up an opportunity to reevaluate your lifestyle. Instead of citing constraints and obligations that prevent you from designing the lifestyle you want, work around these concerns creatively. Make an effort to do something new and not be ruled by obligations.
Be creative everyday
People who manage to design a lifestyle they truly enjoy are better problem finders (because they do not take anything for granted) and better problem solvers (because they ask open-ended questions). Research shows that people who are creative are also flexible and adaptable.
Know yourself
Renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow studied people who were healthy, vibrant, joyful, fulfilled, had a peace of mind and felt safe and valuable. He reached the conclusion that they were healthy on every level because they understood and fulfilled their needs. Creating your ideal lifestyle means understanding yourself, fulfilling your needs, unlocking your full potential and opening up your energy to living with purpose and passion.
Julia Valentine is guest speaker at the Ideal Living Resorts & Retirement Expo for Great New York on Jan. 7 & 8 at the Hilton Long Island/Huntington. For more information & pre-registration: www.idealshows.com.
