Top Ten Ways to Retire Retirement

1. Retire the word "retirement" from your vocabulary. Look it up: it means to "withdraw" or "retreat." Words can shape reality, and it's time for this one to go. Doesn't "renaissance" or "graduation" better describe your post-career life?

2. Realize that retirement is a relatively new concept in human evolution. A few generations ago, before social security and full-time leisure became culturally embedded as the "norm," elders remained productive members of society, relied upon for their insight, wisdom and skills. No modern society can afford the planned obsolence of its most experienced people.

3. Restructure your priorities around what is most important to you, like deepening relationships with family and friends, community service, or the arts. Now is the time to bring your professional life into line with your deeper values.

4. Renew your zest for education. The learning cells of your brain are hungry for new and stimulating challenges, and the welcome mat is out at many schools and universities.

5. Revitalize your energy by finding a community of people who embrace growth and change. Don't get stuck with the "been there, done that" crowd. If you rest, you rust.

6. Rekindle your spirit for risk taking. "Do not fear mistakes," said jazz immortal, Miles Davis, "There are none." If not you, then who? If not now, when?

7. Respond to new opportunities. Remain open to the infinite possibilities the world has to offer. Your full potential lies ahead.

8. Recharge your system by moving your body regularly. Walk, dance, swim, do yoga, take up hiking or biking. Find something you really enjoy and make it a part of your daily wellness program. Buddy up to stay motivated.

9. Revisit your childhood dreams. It's never too late to be who you might have been. Go for it!

10. Remember that the wisdom to discover and act on your deepest passion and purpose is within you.

Enjoy the journey!

(Adapted from Top Ten Ways to Retire Retirement, copyright 2young2retire.com)

Marika Stone is co-founder of http://www.2young2retire.com, the website of retirement alternatives, and co-author of Too Young to Retire: 101 Ways to Start the Rest of Your Life (Plume 2004). She has been a journalist, teacher of writing, public relations executive, and small business owner.

A Path To Peace

The root of discord and violence between people and nations... Read More

Its The Little Things That Count

Have you ever been in the situation where you have... Read More

Three Bricklayers

The story of the three bricklayers has been around for... Read More

Who Are The Underminers?

How many of you had the experience growing up of... Read More

The Serpents Genesis 1 and 2

Not long after the beginning a being fell from the... Read More

Product Testing

Direct Answers - Column for the week of June 24,... Read More

5 Notions That Americans Should Put Out To Pasture

Wisdom and knowledge come from the same family but are... Read More

Four Words that Make Life Worthwhile

Over the years as I've sought out ideas, principles and... Read More

Those Who Sleep Get Sliced

Chang lived in Flushing, Queens. Every afternoon he rode the... Read More

Dont Ever Give Up

There is a reason I never gave up. A reason... Read More

Create Your Own Self Esteem - Part 2

The good part of this story is that there is... Read More

7 Keys for Joyful Living!

Here are some thoughts for finding and experiencing joy in... Read More

How To Walk On The Path Of Peace (Part 1)

As there are silent depths in the ocean, which the... Read More

Tranquility

It's all in the mind- your mind.It's not brought about... Read More

The Women At The Cross (Reflections On The Death And Resurrection Of Jesus)

The women at the cross. Have you ever thought about... Read More

Listening to Your Inner Voice May Save Your Life

"I was washing my breakfast dishes one morning when it... Read More

Trusting Yourself and Others

How come, as women, we always second-guess ourselves? Are we... Read More

Anam Chara - Living A Life Of Value

Much of our lives we spend comparing what "me" has... Read More

Van Morrison, Spiritual Rock Star

Here I am gazing on the Web for extraordinary witnesses... Read More

Anamchara - Making Sense of Life

Many successful persons advise you start your day with a... Read More

Charge Your Imagination (3)

As we progress into the year, it is necessary for... Read More

The Monkey With The Wooden Apples

There once was a happy monkey wandering the jungle, eating... Read More

Its The Journey, Not The Destination

Don't you just hate clichés like the one illustrated in... Read More

Impaired Judgment

Direct Answers - Column for the week of September 23,... Read More

Coming To Your Senses, Again and Again!

When we talk about the Enchanted Self we are referring... Read More