By Frances McGowin

As I write about my retirement and the pursuit of happiness, I know that each adventure I share brings me a great deal of fulfillment. The journey is not always easy and joyful because of the insecurity and judgments that I hold about it. I think this is mostly about breaking out from old patterns of thought.

Retirement’s message to me has been that I have the freedom to decide what to do about everything and when to do it. I choose to create a sense of joy, peace, and satisfaction with my every thought and action. It is my priority.

 Opposite choices would lead me down a path of loneliness, isolation, and total boredom. Understanding this is all of the motivation that I needed to embrace a “happiness philosophy.”!

My greatest retirement challenge has been to break out of thinking that achievement is all that is needed for happiness. There are times when all I want to do is to lie in front of a TV and watch the latest Netflix series. 

This does not mean I have jumped ship on the journey to happiness. What it means to me is that I love “down” time as much as I love “up” time. I am not giving in to laziness, I am embracing a life that works for me, and this works for me.

I am not less happy when I have a couple of days living vicariously through some hallmark movie; in fact, it sometimes clarifies what I want and what I don't want, or it may even inspire my next project to explore. There is no reason that I should feel guilty about non-achievement. I am just giving myself a break and enjoying every moment.

The objective of my life is happiness, and at any moment of any day, a plethora of choices are available. What I choose is what I need at the time. Tomorrow's choices will be different but still satisfying, or I will not choose them.

My choices are guided by my imagination. I read my own emotions and feelings as I envision myself doing different activities like playing pickleball or coming home to my dogs or painting or resting on the sofa  or  keeping my grandnieces and nephews, or being with friends… the rule using this guidance system is “does it make me smile when I envision it.” (Very technical!)

Some people may see this philosophy as selfish. I see it as necessary to be an effective person. I am a better person when I feel happy. I get more accomplished, and I can easily love many activities, places, and people when I am in the natural energy high of happiness. 

I cannot feel stressed when I am happy; it’s like protective armor. When I feel good, I notice that other people around me seem to feel good. Happiness, like other emotions, can be contagious. After all, who wants to follow the guidance or lifestyle choices of someone whose life does not make them happy? 

I am sharing with you what works for me. Finding what leads you to your own happiness is up to you. Once you take the first step toward happiness, it's hard to imagine your life any other way. You don't always have to be achieving something to feel satisfaction, so go easy on yourself and build happiness momentum at your own pace.

Retirement is the gift of freedom to choose an adventure every day. It’s your life, so choose what makes you happy. It’s up to you to enjoy!