An ongoing blog series on rewarding ways to spend your time.
Most residents at Southgate at Shrewsbury retirement community have put their working years behind them. In this next chapter of their lives, they can take each and every day at a much less regimented—and much more relaxed—pace. With job-related deadlines and commitments things of the past, time is no longer something that works against you; instead, time is something to cherish and appreciate as life’s most valuable asset.
In senior living, the world opens up as never before—because you’re finally able to pursue lifelong interests, discover unknown talents and skills, and develop new passions. In a very real and liberating sense, time is on your side!
Southgate at Shrewsbury offers you numerous opportunities to begin this exciting journey of exploration. For example, our woodworking shop and arts & crafts studio allow you to “tinker and dabble” to your heart’s content—and experience the joy of creating delightful keepsakes and artwork with your own hands. Our billiard and card room lets you master the game of gin rummy … or learn the ins and outs of eight-ball. Our four-lane candlepin bowling alley, fitness club & spa and indoor swimming pool help you maintain overall physical health and serve as motivation for challenging yourself (or your neighbor, in some friendly competition!) to ever-greater personal accomplishments. And our lovely 30-acre campus with park provides the perfect setting for novice bird watchers hoping to spot their first yellow-headed blackbird.
Then, of course, there are the additional untold pursuits that retirement living has to offer. In Part III of this ongoing blog series, we’ll continue our discussion of some of the more practical and popular of these pursuits.
Tapping your Inner Shakespeare: The Joy of Writing
Having reached retirement age, it’s safe to say you’ve acquired a tremendous wealth of knowledge and experience with the passing of the years. You also have a unique perspective—one that enables you to recall and process events through a filter of sophistication, insights and wisdom younger people lack.
In short, with your unique perspective and rich history of life experiences, you have a lot to say of value (and a lot to “bring to the table”!)—whatever the subject at hand. So why not capture your thoughts for posterity … by taking up the hobby of writing?
You may want to consider some of the following areas for exploration:
- Cookbooks. There’s an immense pleasure in enjoying a delicious meal—particularly when it’s one you’ve prepared yourself. We all have our favorite dishes, whether they be light appetizers, rich entrées or decadent desserts. Here’s your chance to share your list of favorites with others—as well as impress them with your cooking knowledge and skills! Take a trip down memory lane and try to recall those culinary creations you’ve most enjoyed over the years (including grandma’s “to-die-for” pie, that made the holidays extra special!). Check with relatives and friends if you need help remembering recipe details.
- How-to Guides. All of us are experts on something—no matter how unconventional or obscure it may be. Perhaps you’ve always had a knack for doing yo-yo tricks. Maybe you can faithfully capture the most challenging and melodic birdcalls. Or perhaps you intimately know the delicate art of chair caning. The sky’s the limit in terms of topics that may hold interest for others.
- Poetry. No, we can’t all craft words that convey the depth and complexity of human feelings with the eloquence of Robert Frost. But most of us occasionally try our hand at writing poetry. Spend some time retrieving and refining some lines of verse you’ve had laying around for a while (or been mulling over in your head). Or start fresh with a blank piece of paper, a lovely, inspirational view of Southgate’s beautiful campus and a relaxing cup of coffee … and let the creative juices flow!
- Blogs. Like how-to guides, blogs can cover virtually any subject under the sun. Write from a first-person perspective, sharing your thoughts on whatever strikes you—from traveling to music, painting, animals, the Civil War, TV trivia or retirement in general.
- Personal journal. Approach this writing form as you would a blog. In your own words, jot down some of your most meaningful “life lessons,” firsthand travel adventures or philosophical musings. A journal can serve as insight to the unique individual you are. Whether you choose to share your entries is of course entirely up to you, but you never know—your perspective may help others in unexpected ways.
- “This is your Life.” Ever consider putting your life story on paper (or computer)? Obviously, no one knows your personal history better than you. Creating a memoir can be a great way to preserve your recollections for others to enjoy.
If you decide to pick up writing, the important thing is to choose a topic that interests you. Writing can be quite cathartic; many people find it helps reduce stress and even helps them work through their emotions and feelings.
Most importantly: Your writing doesn’t have to be formal or rigidly constructed to comply with the rules of grammar. You’re retired … so go in with the attitude of simply having fun!
In Part IV of this series, we’ll continue our discussion about engaging activities for retirees.
