Finding Our Way: Conversations on Life After Work

Episode 11- Purpose, Meaning and Personal Growth

Discover how purpose and meaning can be rediscovered and even deepened in retirement. This episode explores the roles of gifts, passions, values, and purpose statements in creating a fulfilling post-career life, with practical exercises and heartfelt insights from three sisters navigating this new chapter. * The difference between purpose and meaning, and how they evolve in retirement * The four pillars of meaning: belonging, purpose, storytelling, and transcendence * How to identify your gifts, passions, and values to craft a personal purpose statement * The health and happiness benefits of purposeful living * Practical exercises for discovering what is meaningful to you * The importance of growth, grace, and flexibility on the journey to finding your purpose * Your Happiness Profile for Retirement by Marianne Osher [https://riverside.com/editor/02937bab-0399-40f2-b55e-1764d34877e3/amazon.com/dp/XXXXX] (search for the book for purchase details) * The Power of Meaning by Emily Fahony-Smith [https://riverside.com/editor/02937bab-0399-40f2-b55e-1764d34877e3/amazon.com/dp/XXXXX] * [Richard Leder's Purpose Formula](Official website or related resources) * Stanford Study on Purpose and Happiness [https://riverside.com/editor/02937bab-0399-40f2-b55e-1764d34877e3/stanford.edu/research/purpose-happiness] * Encore.org - Purpose and Fulfillment [https://riverside.com/editor/02937bab-0399-40f2-b55e-1764d34877e3/encore.org/article/purposeful-retirement] Finding purpose in retirement is a personal, ongoing journey that involves exploring your gifts, passions, and values. It evolves over time, and embracing grace and growth helps make the process fulfilling. Take small steps, reflect regularly, and remember—purpose isn’t about perfection, but progress.

Episode 10 - The 5 Steps to Rediscover Your Purpose After 50

Retirement isn't just about leaving a career; it's about discovering and reconnecting with your authentic self. This episode explores how to embrace your current passions, core values, and evolving identity post-retirement. Main Topics Covered: * The importance of redefining your identity after retirement * Exercises to reconnect with your current self, passions, and strengths * Reflection tools like creating a personal memoir and personality assessments * How to identify what truly makes you happy, motivated, and engaged * Practical tips for embracing change and finding purpose In this episode: * Discusses Marianne's three-step process to focus on what you do well, your purpose, and opportunities to implement your skills * Explores five key areas: personality, interests, strengths, skills, and motivators * Shares personal experiences from journaling, creating memoirs, and visualizing life as a journey with exits * Emphasizes the significance of understanding your strengths, such as listening, loyalty, and organizational skills * Offers exercises like personality trait selection and interest reflection to identify what brings joy and fulfillment * Highlights the importance of self-compassion and honest reflection during this transformative phase *  The Happiness Portfolio for Retirement by Marianne Osher [https://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Portfolio-Retirement-Marianne-Osher/dp/0983403937] * Note: The journey of self-discovery can be emotional and deep. Take your time, be kind to yourself, and remember that every step you take is progress toward a fulfilling retirement life. Connect with the Hosts: findingourwaypodcast1@gmail.com [findingourwaypodcast1@gmail.com]

Episode 9- Finding New Beginnings in Retirement

Retirement is a time of profound change and endless possibilities. In this episode, three sisters share insights from expert Marianne Osher’s 'The Happiness Portfolio for Retirement,' discussing how retirees can approach this chapter of life with intentionality, flexibility, and creativity to find purpose and fulfillment.The concept of endless possibilities in retirement and how to navigate feeling overwhelmed versus liberated. This episode encourages retirees and pre-retirees to reflect on their life’s baggage, explore various paths, and craft a compelling vision for their future. Whether you prefer a structured plan or spontaneous adventures, embracing experimentation and visualization can lead to a more joyful, authentic retirement. * Exploring six different retirement paths: continuers, easy gliders, adventurers, searchers, involved spectators, and retreaters. * The importance of self-awareness in choosing paths, experimenting, and integrating different approaches. * Repacking your mental and emotional baggage—reevaluating beliefs, habits, and relationships that no longer serve you. * Developing a vision board to clarify your future goals, activate your subconscious, and stay motivated. * How to balance structure and spontaneity in retirement for a fulfilling lifestyle. * The significance of community involvement, travel, hobbies, and personal growth as part of your retirement vision. * Reimagining your identity—shifting from a career-focused mindset to one rooted in joy, purpose, and self-care. * The role of mindfulness, living intentionally, and celebrating small wins during this transition. * Practical exercises including visualizing your ideal future and reassessing your baggage The Happiness Portfolio for Retirement by Marianne Osher [https://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Portfolio-Retirement-Marianne-Osher/dp/0983403937] * The Art of Possibility by Rosam Stone Zander & Benjamin Zander [https://www.amazon.com/Art-Possibility-Transforming-Professional-Personal/dp/0875960595] * The Artist's Way series by Julia Cameron [https://juliacameronlive.com/]

Episode 8- It's time for Discovery

Exploring the journey of retirement as a time for discovery, purpose, and self-reflection, this episode features a candid conversation among three sisters navigating life after work. From reconnecting with passions and building confidence to planning for the future, they share insights, exercises, and strategies to embrace this transformational phase. In this episode: * Retirement as a time for self-discovery and renewal * The importance of connecting with passions and hobbies from the past * Strategies for managing uncertainty and transition fears * The significance of creating a list of interests and inspirations * How mindset and support influence the retirement experience * Practical exercises to clarify goals and passions * Insights from Mary Ann Osher’s The Happiness Portfolio for Retirement * The benefits of reflection for a fulfilling retirement journey wayResources & Links: * The Happiness Portfolio for Retirement by Mary Ann Osher [https://riverside.com/editor/bc3a6c3a-9ad3-4708-8bd6-d63f8420dbfb/amazon.com] * Nancy Schalashberg’s book, Overwhelmed, Coping with Life’s Ups and Downs [https://riverside.com/editor/bc3a6c3a-9ad3-4708-8bd6-d63f8420dbfb/amazon.com]  References: 1.        Oesher, Marianne T., “Your Happiness Portfolio® For Retirement, It’s Not About the Money!” 2019. 2. Schlossberg, Nancy EdD, “Overwhelmed. Coping with Life’s Ups and Downs.”  Links: “Your Happiness Portfolio® For Retirement, It’s Not About the Money!” workbook, go to RetireandBeHappy.com/workbook/

Episode 7- Letting Go of the Past for a Fulfilling Retirement Journey

In this episode, we explore the emotional and practical aspects of letting go of your previous career identity to embrace a new chapter in life. Join us as we discuss how to navigate change, shed emotional baggage, and find purpose after retirement. * The importance of releasing your former professional identity * How to accept the loss of organizational power and perks * Overcoming fears and emotional attachment to the past * Practical exercises to let go, including symbolic fire rituals * The role of memories and creating new opportunities * Recognizing job-related stressors that make letting go challenging * Personal stories of growth and adjustment in retirement 00:00 - Introduction to the importance of letting go for a successful retirement00:24 - Overview of challenges faced when retiring and transitioning to a new life phase01:17 - The significance of releasing old identities and roles02:26 - Letting go of who you used to be—career identity and recognition03:14 - Impact of community environment on perceptions of your former career04:45 - The loss of authority, power, and perks after retirement07:21 - Guilt associated with no longer earning a paycheck08:36 - Maintaining personal traits and professional qualities post-retirement10:56 - Why holding on to the past can hinder emotional and physical health12:20 - Using memories to stay connected and transition into the unknown13:16 - The necessity of emotional growth through letting go15:18 - Strategies to trust in the process and release fear17:47 - Exercises for letting go: listing what to release and symbolic burning25:50 - Creative ways to say goodbye to the past, including talk, crumble, or burn lists26:39 - Humor and support, including "fireball" rituals and sharing with others27:05 - Encouragement to reflect and embrace the next chapter with joy * Your Happiness Portfolio for Retirement by Mary Ann Usher [https://www.amazon.com/Your-Happiness-Portfolio-Retirement-Usher/dp/xxxxxx] (search for exact link) * The Happiness Portfolio for Retirement: It’s Not About the Money [https://riverside.com/amazon.com/dp/B0XXXXXX] by Mary-Ann T. Oshoor “Your Happiness Portfolio® For Retirement, It’s Not About the Money!” workbook, go to RetireandBeHappy.com/workbook/ Join us for next week's discussion on discovering new passions.