Yes, you read that correctly! ReWIREment. What a cool word. And it's potentially the newest description for that 'next' phase of life that many of us find ourselves talking and thinking about more often these days.
I loved it when I first heard it -- from a colleague of mine as we shared a coffee last week. ReWIREment. The word, retirement, has always sounded old and tired to me (and to many of my colleagues and clients as well). None of us feel ready to 'retire'. I think ReWIREment is something we can all get excited about!
To me, rewiring is all about continually moving toward creating the kind of life you want to live. It is about choosing thoughts that help you to experience your life to the fullest. (Of course, ReWIREment can happen at any phase of life, not just when you are contemplating leaving the workforce.)
What thoughts can serve you well as you look ahead to the next phase of your life? Here are a few ideas to consider:
Thoughts about Yourself:
I learn something new every day
I like where I am in my life right now
I can continue to contribute meaningfully to this world
Thoughts about Others:
My family and friends value me as much as I value them
Every person is doing the best they can in the present moment
I enjoy learning something new from the people I connect with each and every day
Thoughts about Ageing:
People can feel energized and engaged in life at any age
We really are getting older AND getting better
The lines on one's face and body mark memories of the great life they have lived
Thoughts about Retirement:
This is an exciting time in life
It is possible to continue to be engaged in things that bring me joy
Retiring is not an 'ending', it is a new beginning
ReWIREment is also about choosing behaviours that maximize your happiness and general well-being. Certainly choosing positive thoughts will help you to choose positive behaviours, but you can do this in the reverse order as well -- choose positive behaviours and notice how your thinking (and feeling) changes.
For example, I just started 100 Happy Days (http://100happydays.com/) - an online platform to focus on happiness. Each day, for 100 days, you submit a photo to a social media platform of your choice (instagram, twitter, facebook, etc.) and use the hashtag #100happydays. Then, notice what happens. Just like the power of a gratitude journal, taking a picture and posting it online is an easy way to keep being mindful about what brings you happiness each day (and remind you that there are a lot of things that bring you happiness every day - you just need to focus on them). It's really that simple. I've already noticed an upswing, and I am only on day #17!
So, what will you choose to think and to do today -- to get ready for ReWIREment?
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