Creating a Life We Love: Minimalism in Retirement

“I have realized that the past and future are real illusions, that they exist in the present, which is what there is and all there is.” Alan Watts

Retirement for my love and me has been a time of rediscovery and healing. We welcome the opportunity to focus on our interests, relationships, and health rather than managing the stress and chaos of the rat race we were able to exit early.

We carefully planned for years applying minimalism to our journey as we decluttered, downsized, relocated and rightsized. We have created a beautiful, easy to care for home in our desired beach location.

Three years in we are more physically active, sleep better, and are in better overall health. Our relationship has grown deeper, and we’ve made new friends.

We’re office mates at home when we’re engaged in reading, writing and research activities. We joke about this often.

In minimalist style, our dining table serves a double function as work space with each end opening up for storage. Laptops, chargers, and supplies are easily stored out of sight.

We adjusted to spending more time together rather easily, but certainly not without some arguments, discussions and compromises. We understand our differences and preferences much better than we did when we were both rushing out to work together each morning.

Daily routines bring comfort in retirement as they did during the working years. We get up at the same time each day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, go to the gym, and get on with the rest of our day. Some days are full of planned activities or chores and some are wide open to spontaneity.

It has taken time to adjust to this more leisurely lifestyle. It’s surreal to be off the clock and have so many choices on how to spend the days.

Initially I struggled with the change in pace and loss of my career identity. What would my purpose be now that I wasn’t working?

I have chosen to allow things to evolve, to take the time to get in touch with my natural leanings. I ask myself questions.

What sparks my interest? What can I do to help the people I love now that I have more time? What do I want to see and experience? How can I continue to contribute?

Here are a few lessons of my experience with this major transition.

Get in touch with your authentic self.

Think about what brings feelings of calm, ease, joy and contentment. Think of that subtle shift you feel in your body and soul when you experience these moments. Find ways to engage in more of them.

What are the activities? For me, walking or relaxing on the beach with my love, exercising and reaching my goals, trying new recipes, reading, writing and other quiet reflective activities top the list.

Rest, relax, luxuriate. Nurture yourself. This is now a ritual Epsom salt bath for me. I don’t think I have soaked in a tub regularly since I was a child.

Observe and analyze your thoughts and behavior. I reflected on my life to date through all of the stages and ages, noting my interests, talents, accomplishments, challenges, and struggles.

I thought about the family, friends, and mentors I have been blessed to know over the years.

I remembered how I have hurt and disappointed others and how I have been hurt and disappointed.

I unpacked my dreams, analyzing the themes of those that stuck with me upon waking. I examined why I connect to certain pieces of writing or art or people.

These are self-centered activities I rarely had time for or never consistently prioritized in the past. They are immensely revealing.

Listen to your body.

I recognized that I had fallen out of shape during the past few years and was eating and drinking too much. My moods were unstable, my stomach burned and my joints ached.

I decided to improve my health. I began a daily food and fitness journal which was quite helpful. I slowly changed my diet. I gained strength while I lost weight.

I identified the habits and thoughts that were standing in the way of my health and replaced them with more supportive practices and facts that I now had the time to research.

Love.

Love yourself and love your family and friends.

Be generous with your time, patience and resources. Help your parents and children as best you can and as much as they allow.

Heal and release bitterness. Forgive yourself and offer yourself unconditional love, the same kind of love and forgiveness that it may seem easier to offer to others.

When negative memories surface along with self-shaming thoughts, I am now able to recognize the pattern and pause. I take a look at the time period and think more broadly.

What positive things were happening at that time? What was I accomplishing? I’m more gentle and loving with the younger version of myself and focus on the amazing good that I’ve accomplished and experienced.

Express gratitude.

Be present in the moment and express feelings of gratitude as you experience them. Write notes to thank people for what they do and how their kindness touches you.

My love and I have kept a gratitude jar for years now. I highly recommend the practice. We read the slips of paper on Christmas Eve and reflect on all the wonderful things that have happened throughout the year, the true gifts in life.

Focus on now.

Focus on living fully and moving forward. Focus on growth, progress, thoughtfulness and how you’d like to be remembered when you’re gone.

My love and I realize the clock is ticking. We have begun the death cleaning process, which brings us peace. Minimalism is helpful because our finances and records are streamlined and organized, and our meaningful belongings are documented.

We’re making decisions and plans so that our children don’t have to carry that burden in the future. We’re offering some financial help now, when they actually need it, and enjoy watching them begin to flourish in their independent lives.

Many of these lessons I wish I had learned in my earlier years, but insight comes through experience. Each day is a gift to fully experience with grace. I am grateful for each one.

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About the Author: Jennifer Tritt enjoys writing about her minimalist lifestyle and insights about simplicity. You can find out more about her on her Facebook.