by Marie Fremgen, MSW

~ Don't have to get up at the crack of dawn
~ Meet deadlines
~ Answer to bosses
~ Deal with difficult people
~ Wear ties, etc.

We look forward to just lazing around and doing what we want to do. But, what 'DO' we want to do? Sometimes retirement can be a big disappointment and a difficult transition.  Most of us have been busy all our lives, working raising families, doing whatever needed to be done.  Presently, we wonder -  "What Now?"

The kids are grown, maybe we've moved to a new area, maybe we've lost a spouse. We feel anxious, lonely sad, angry, fearful.

For many individuals self-worth is associated with their jobs; for women it is mainly  being a wife and mother. When we no longer work or the children leave the nest, we lose our sense of worth. We feel that if we don't have a job to go to everyday, our life hasn't any purpose. 

We base our self-worth on our youthful experiences and associate old age with shame. We worry about being bald, fat, or even incurring the loss of hearing or sight.

But - it does not have to be that way. We can learn to accept ourselves for who we are unconditionally. We need to find a new purpose and a new identity. We need to find new activities. For all the things we can't do because we are not young, gorgeous or rich, there are many more we have never even considered. Most barriers are self imposed. But you can break through those barriers and find a new interest in life, one that keeps you interested and interesting. 

Studies have shown that people tend to be healthier and happier when they have at least one vital interest.   Learn to do what you can with what you have where you are.

We will find only what we look for.  It's not what happens to you, it's what you do about it. You can find yourself and gain a true zest for living!

For further information:



(727)-861-3393