I’m Loretta Saff, and I am pleased to bring to you - the retiree or ‘almost’ retiree - ideas and resources for what to do and who to contact once the retirement party is over. 
 
Retirement is not "One Size Fits All.” And a Modern Retirement includes planning for the next 20-30 years! Spending time involved in activities that YOU truly enjoy and that make you feel fulfilled is the key to success on the journey. But how do you find out what is out there?
 
I hope this podcast helps.
 
Enjoy! 

https://www.coachingwithloretta.com/videos.html

I remember when my 60th birthday was getting closer. I checked twice to make sure I had done the math correctly, and when the numbers added up, the first thing I thought was, “But hey, I’m not OLD!”
         
60 is a big number. It’s full of heavy words like "Social Security" and "Medicare", "Osteoporosis", and "Senior Moments." I was turning 60, but I didn’t FEEL 60. 

I looked in the mirror and said out loud, “Why not think about 60 with more positive words like, “Wiser”, “Sassier”, and “Bring it on!” That’s when I decided to have some fun. Carrie Underwood had just recorded her hit song, “Before He Cheats.” The music was great; it was country, and we had recently moved to Nashville! Why not write some new lyrics for it, expressing exactly how I felt about turning 60! 

Right now, you’re probably just guessin’
That I’d like a bus tour for my summertime vacation
 
Right now, you’re probably just thinkin’
That I’m sassy cause my hormones are low
But you don’t know
 
Repeat Chorus
I threw the pieces all over the yard
It was my A A R P membership card
I got Botox in each and every fold
 
No early bird special or senior day
I joined a gym and I know the way
So, don’t you dare call me OLD
 
Just tryin’ to save a little trouble for the next girl
So the next time you hear 60,
Don’t call her OLD!

​Of course, not wanting to be called ‘Old” at 60 is not much different from the other stages in life that when we decide we want to be a different age:      

As a retirement coach, I hear musings from clients about reaching their 60s and 70s. 

Loretta 

I recently came across this quote, and I liked it a lot. I thought about how much I miss traveling, so I decided to plan a trip - keeping the message in mind. It was a great experience. Here is my journal and a few pictures:  

“T’was the day of my travels…”
I just want to share
This trip during COVID
You’ll think you’ve been there!
 
On looking - On pausing-
On observing things-
What joy and excitement
Really NOTICING brings
 
I got up real early
To get a head start
So as not to miss out –
Now, isn’t that smart?
 
With my phone for pictures
I took a little blank book
To write down the adventure
I’ll call, “ Take a Good Look.”

The bedroom – it’s lovely
Those windows, great light!
Such pleasure I got
Enjoying the sight.
 
Then I looked at the wall
Saw the art in its frame
A beautiful flower…
Would I remember the name?

Ah, yes – it’s PROTEA!
The colors painted with flare
Then I smiled just remembering
Why we put it put there.
 
On looking - On pausing-
On observing things-
What joy and excitement
Really NOTICING brings
 
I knew where to go next.
I did not hesitate
The bathroom – so important -
Time to appreciate

​The towels look pretty
All cream, black and white
A mirror reflecting -
The room looks so bright!

Once showered and primped
I felt together and steady
With passport in hand
I was courageous and ready.
 
How often we travel
And almost always ignore
Things like fluffy, soft carpets
And a lovely tile floor.

On looking - On pausing-
On observing things-
What joy and excitement
Really NOTICING brings
 
The kitchen was next
I looked around with delight
Antique teapots and milk bottles
Were a beautiful sight
 
As I really looked at them
For the first time in a while
All the memories came;
They all made me smile

​The bottles with writing
Of unique shapes and sizes
Were found at flea markets
It was like winning prizes
 
And the teapots – all metal
From back in the day
Made such a happy
And colorful display
 
I opened the fridge
More colors I could see
  Blueberries and strawberries,
And light green Kiwi.
​
It’s really important
I thought with a smile
To plan a trip to appreciate
Once in a while.
​
So start where you are;
Be your own wish-granting fairy!
Realize that your home
Can be the i-tin-er-ary!
 
On looking - On pausing-
On observing things-
What joy and excitement
Really NOTICING brings
 
Fortified, I continued
And explored all around.
There in the living room
My desk could be found
 
Of course, it’s familiar
Of course, I’m there every day
But now I could see it
In a new special way
 
The bookends - the rhinos
From that trip last fall
When was the last time
I noticed them at all?

My bookshelves are full
It was such fun to look
Remembering when reading
Meant holding a book!

​And that box full of pens -
That stay tall in their places.
How cute is that container
With my granddaughters’ faces!
 
On looking - On pausing-
On observing things-
What joy and excitement
Really NOTICING brings
 
The computer, a good friend,
A companion, and more
Bringing ZOOM and FACEBOOK greetings
Full of connections galore!

Yes, on my trip I stayed home -
It was no hologram.
It made me realize very quickly
How lucky I am.
 
On looking - On pausing-
On observing things-
What joy and excitement
Really NOTICING brings

You try it -
 (and don’t stop to clean out a drawer!)

-Loretta

​Who isn’t looking for ways to be more motivated? Who isn’t a little annoyed at yourself for not following through on all those things you really want to do?

Here’s an idea that will help. I call it “Dear Me,”. Based on a study done at Columbia Business School, this activity not only encouraged futuristic thinking, but it also proved to be a real motivational tool.

Here are the three simple steps:

1. Write a letter to yourself (that’s the ‘Dear Me’ part) – and make it the YOU 20 years from now.
2. Address yourself as who you would like to be in 20 years.
3. Include thoughts about areas of life you feel are important and activities you would like to be doing​

Now when you actually have a picture of yourself  focusing on what you think you want to do – and feel  how it makes you feel – it becomes more real. 
​
These results are not really surprising. After all, once you realize that you are the one making today’s decisions to reach tomorrow’s dreams, it can make all the difference. 
​
So, go ahead… Whether you send yourself an email or actually use pen and paper, write that “Dear Me…” letter today.  And let me know how it makes you feel.

You recognize that quote. It’s the opening scene to MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE. Of course, Jim always accepts the assignment; and we get to enjoy the adventure.

Sometimes in life you do have choices. You can choose – even volunteer – for the mission. But sometimes the mission is simply forced on you, and then you have to navigate the challenges.

Transitions
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about TRANSITIONS. Often it’s as simple as going off to college or wanting to change jobs. Other times it’s finding yourself an empty nester, being ‘let go’ from a job, or becoming single after years of partnership. Or maybe you are moving from one place to another, just lost someone you love, or realize that you must RETIRE.

These transitions – or CHANGES – all force you to ask yourself similar questions:

• Who am I NOW?
• How will I spend my spare time?
• Which people will I surround myself with?
• How am I going to find fulfillment?

I‘ve heard lots of the answers.  Many people think that they will be fine because they are comfortable financially.  And yet there are many ‘rich’ people who are very unhappy and lost. Others look forward to the change and they will simply “take it as it comes.” Maybe…, for a little while.

Each transition happens to a different you. It’s important to take a good look at who you are NOW. Then you can explore what you really want and make a plan for how to get there.

Coaching You Through the Transition
As a coach, I don’t give you the plan. Only you know what will make you enthused about getting up in the morning. But coaching will help you decide what you really want and what’s been stopping you from getting there. Once you are armed with that information, you’ll sharpen your focus and be ready for what lies ahead.

CHANGE – Some people can handle it just fine, and others, ‘not so much.’ Whether you are Jim (or Janet) and find that your:

• Relationship is changing;
• Lifestyle is changing;
• Attitude is changing;
• Job/place to live is changing;
• You’re getting married/Having a baby/Becoming empty nester; or
• Yikes! You’re going to Retire (!)

having a coach makes a big difference as you navigate the new environment. The “Transition Mission” is yours – and you have to choose to accept it.  Let me help you make it an exciting

MISSION: POSSIBLE!