Navigating Retirement

Most of us know we need a financial plan for the next chapter. But how do we prepare for the changes in identity, purpose, and daily life that come with this transition?

Think about when we were seniors in high school or college, preparing to graduate and step into the next chapter of our lives. It was a time filled with excitement, anticipation, possibilities, and perhaps a little uncertainty. We were leaving behind something familiar and preparing to enter a new phase of life, one that would bring greater freedom, new choices, and opportunities to discover who we wanted to become.

Now, as seniors in life, we're standing at another important threshold. Yet somehow, our culture often portrays retirement as an ending rather than a beginning. What if we approached this transition with the same curiosity, enthusiasm, and sense of possibility that we had when we were younger?

And in some ways, this new chapter holds even greater possibilities. When we were young, much of our attention was focused on building careers, earning a living, accumulating resources, and establishing ourselves in the world. Our choices were often shaped by financial necessities and the expectations of others. But now, for many of us, those pressures may begin to ease. Rather than asking, "What do I need to do to make a living?" we have the opportunity to ask, "What would make my life truly meaningful and fulfilling?" We may have more freedom than ever before to explore our interests, rediscover forgotten passions, nurture relationships, and pursue experiences simply because they bring us joy.

Of course, just as we wouldn't expect a young graduate to navigate an entirely new chapter of life without some preparation, we shouldn't assume that a fulfilling retirement will simply happen on its own. Our mindset, expectations, and the choices we make can have a profound influence on how we experience these years.

This course isn't about financial planning. It's about understanding ourselves more deeply as we enter a new season of life.

Through guided meditations, mindfulness practices, personal reflection, journaling exercises, IFS and supportive group discussions, we'll explore the beliefs, expectations, and patterns that influence how we experience mid to later life transition. Rather than offering a prescribed formula for a successful retirement, I'll guide you through a process of discovering what a meaningful and fulfilling next chapter might look like for you. Because there's no single right way to retire—and there's certainly no age at which we stop growing, learning, and discovering new possibilities.

Retirement isn't the end of our story. It's the beginning of a new chapter, and we have an opportunity to be intentional about how we write it.

When Retirement Doesn't Go as Planned:

We often enter the next chapter with dreams and expectations of how these years will unfold.  But sometimes, life has other plans. Unexpected health challenges or caregiving needs can dramatically change our retirement experience. And those circumstances can bring difficult emotions—disappointment, frustration, sadness, or even grief for the evolving life we had hoped for. 

In this course, we'll explore how to navigate these challenges, while still honoring our own needs and remaining open to new possibilities.  Acceptance doesn't mean giving up. It means discovering how to create a meaningful life within the circumstances we actually have. Even if retirement looks different than we imagined, there's still room for joy, connection, and purpose.  

We'll meet live on Zoom for eight consecutive Tuesday evenings from 7:00p - 8:15pm, 

beginning January 5 and continuing through February 23, 2027. Each session will be 75 minutes long.

Our time together will offer a thoughtful blend of learning, self-exploration, and meaningful reflection. Depending on the week's theme, sessions may include:

• Exploring new perspectives: An introduction to concepts and insights that can help you better understand the emotional and psychological aspects of retirement.
• Group discussion: Opportunities to share experiences, hear different perspectives, and connect with others navigating similar life transitions.
• Personal reflection and journaling: Guided exercises designed to deepen self-awareness and help you discover what truly matters to you.
• Guided meditation: Reflective practices to help you slow down, turn inward, and connect with your own inner wisdom.

The exploration doesn't end when our Zoom session does!

Each week, you'll receive journaling prompts to encourage further reflection, a recorded guided meditation or reflection to revisit at your convenience, and a suggested action step to help you bring what you're discovering into your everyday life.

These activities are invitations rather than assignments. You're encouraged to engage with them in whatever way feels meaningful and manageable for you.

A welcoming and supportive environment

This course is designed to be a comfortable space for personal exploration. While group discussions can be a valuable part of the experience, sharing is always completely voluntary. You're welcome to participate by listening, reflecting, and learning from others without feeling any pressure to speak about your personal experiences.

No previous experience with meditation, mindfulness, or Internal Family Systems (IFS) is necessary. Just bring your curiosity, an open mind, and a willingness to explore the possibilities of this next chapter of your life.