“For my part, I am almost contented just now, and very thankful. Gratitude is a divine emotion: it fills the heart, but not to bursting; it warms it, but not to fever.”
-Charlotte Bronte
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Much has been written about gratitude journals. Journals are daily written expressions of gratitude for life’s gifts, journeys, emotions, and everyday happenings. I don’t write a gratitude journal, but I truly admire those that have the dedication to “Journal” regularly.
I do, however, take time each day to express gratitude for at least three things for which I am grateful. It is a small undertaking that has profound effects on the way I perceive each day and life in general.
Sometimes it is hard to recognize the goodness in life. Taking a few moments each day to be grateful for the blessings provided can change the complexion of a whole day.
Does it require a great deal of thought? Not really!
The three expressions of gratitude on any given day could reflect anything: Happiness to be alive, joy in the fact that you are healthy, and pleasure in a day filled with sunshine. Expressions of gratitude can also be more in-depth and reflect deeply personal thoughts and emotions.
Spending a few moments in gratitude at the beginning of each day refocuses your mind on the goodness around you, not the negativity to which we are continually subjected.
Gratitude speaks to the ”Purpose” leg of the ENOUGH THREE-LEGGED STOOL. (see post: FOUNDATIONS OF RETIREMENT: THE THREE-LEGGED STOOL.) Gratitude allows a person to see the glass as half full, instead of half empty. It is a way of approaching both life, and retirement. Instead of “leaving work” someone “moves towards” retirement. It has been said in many articles that when approaching retirement someone should not be running away from work, but running towards the better life and mindset that retirement can provide.
It’s been said that regret of the past and fear of the future are twin thieves that steal joy from the present. In the same light Gratitude and Purpose are the twin heroes that enhance retirement.
When planning for retirement it’s critically important to plan before retiring. It is much better to plan for post-retirement life before you retire.
Gratitude is crucial in both retirement and retirement planning. It is much easier to be grateful for employment if that work and any income provided are not necessary for daily living. Volunteer pursuits, work, and hobbies all become more enjoyable when not mandatory. (Doing something because you “want to,” not because you “have to,” supplements an attitude of gratitude.)
What creates gratitude and happiness?
What activities do you enjoy? Who do you enjoy doing them with? How will you fill the hours of each day? Do you want to work part-time? Do you want to become a volunteer worker? Do you want to pursue new hobbies? Any or all of these activities will create a sense of purpose and gratitude.
It’s been my experience that many people wait until they are retired to begin planning the rest of their life. Lack of purpose during retirement can be a huge source of stress. Structure is fundamental for most people. Structure includes having something scheduled for each day. It is not uncommon for people to schedule projects, physical activity, or meetings in the mornings to leave afternoons for leisure activities. There are no right or wrong answers in retirement!
The definition of purpose will vary with each person. For someone, it can be as simple as caring for grandchildren. For someone else, it would mean serving on the board of a major corporation. Both areas of purpose are appropriate and correct in each of these examples.
The current Buzzword for this concept is “Ikigai.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines ikigai as “a motivating force; something or someone that gives a person a sense of purpose or a reason for living”. More generally it may refer to something that brings pleasure or fulfillment.
Whether it’s Ikigai, Purpose, or gratitude the THGOTB (The happiest guy on the block) has a reason to get up each morning and a purpose in life.
Mr. Smith ( See previous RWE post: RETIRING WITH PURPOSE- MR SMITH) nailed it!
Final Thoughts
- Expressing gratitude each day helps to focus on the goodness of life.
- Whether you call it Ikigai, gratitude, or purpose, everyone should have have something to do, and something to look forward to each day.
- Gratitude and purpose will vary with each person.
- Having Purpose in retirement defined before retiring reduces stress surrounding retirement.
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