Hello {!firstname}:

You know the expression "you teach what you need to learn"? Okay, here it is. I have a confession to make. I'm writing this week about something I need to incorporate more of into my life. FUN... what I call the new "F" word. I'm working a lot right now on some really big things in the business right now. And, it's fun, really fun.

But, I'm working later at night (8:15 right now) and plan to work through this weekend. This is unusual for me, but as my always brilliant (and sometimes tough) online business manager Donna Gunter told me last week: "Your business is in a serious growth spurt right now, so get used to it."

So just for this week, I ask you to do as I say and not as I do. And, I promise next weekend, no work, all play.

To your endless FUN possibilities!

Lin Schreiber, Retirement Revolutionary

It's hard to believe that this year's Retire Retirement Boot Camp: Basic Training for the Rest of Your Life at Kripalu Yoga & Health Center is just four weeks away (November 20th-22nd). Woo Woo Wands (you'll have to come to find out!) are on order, new dance music is on the iPod, and we're revving our energy up for our best Boot Camp ever.

If you're confused, concerned, worried, anxious, and/or fearful about your future -- or just plain stuck -- and in serious need of an attitude adjustment you'll want to join me for a fun, interactive, introspective weekend that's all about YOU -- and the rest of your life!

 

Can't make the November Boot Camp? Saving your money for a fabulous winter vacation in 2010? Great -- then check out the Older, Bolder & Better retreat in gorgeous Costa Rica, March 21st-27th. Jo Kosewski of Hibiscus Tours for Women has really outdone herself -- the same terrific itinerary as this year for less money!

What's the Purpose if it's Not Fun?

by Lin Schreiber, Retirement Coach

Are you starting to get a stronger sense of the "real" you? Are you ready to explore some of the many options available to you in the wonderful world of encore careers?

Remember, I define an encore career as a new stage of work, post-retirement, that's purposeful, meaningful, and joyful. It's work on your own terms; work that matters. An encore career is not one-size-fits-all. It's the perfect fit for who you are at this stage in your life.

Since you've finally earned the freedom to have fun, make sure your encore career is fun. If you're looking for meaningful engagement and fun, you might:

Express yourself creatively. Do you have a creative side that's never been fully expressed? Have you always wanted to act, paint, or write but never pursued the dream? It's not too late. My client, Jean, is a perfect example of living her creative dream later in life.

After "retiring" from a successful career as a therapist and completing her second Master's degree in her 60's, Jean was struggling with what might be next for her. In our coaching, she uncovered her passion for writing, and in fact, had quite a large body of unpublished work. She also had three ideas for books, and decided to write the "easiest" one first, and got it published.

Jean's second book is currently being shopped around to publishers, and she's working on her third book. Her passion for writing has led her to a side career speaking and leading workshops and retreats around the country, and she's having a blast. By allowing her rich, creative side to flourish, she's thriving in unexpected ways.

Follow your calling. Is there something you longed to do when you were younger but didn't have the discipline to go for? What's been "calling" you most of your life? What if you answered the call?

That's what John (eventually) did when he retired from his 35-year career in the military. He knew he would continue to work, but wasn't sure what would be the best fit. For the first few years he tried out a number of new things: selling solar panels, training to become a paralegal, and even trying to launch a home business. They didn't make his heart sing.

Since he was quite young, John had felt called to become a minister. In college, his lack of discipline made it challenging to pursue this calling, so he entered the military. Nearly 40 years later, he had the discipline and the ability to accomplish whatever he set his mind to, and answered the call to ministry.

Now in his late 60's, John is minister of his own church and loving every minute of it.

Create a business around what you love to do. Are you an entrepreneur at heart? What's your passion? How could you marry the two?

Darlene was downsized from a high-pressure sales position in a major financial institution. She needed a break, and took time off to recharge. She played with the idea of turning her passion for quilting into her lifelong dream of having her own business, created a business plan, and took the first tentative steps toward getting the business off the ground.

After four months, she started to worry about her cash flow, and went back to work in sales. Two months into the new position and she was clear it was time to be her own boss. She's devoted herself totally to the business, has had a successful launch, and is on target to meet her plan this year.

And, of course, she's having the time of her life.

Make an impact. Do you have a deep desire to make a contribution? What if you brought your incredible experience, resources, and wisdom to solving a serious social issue in an innovative way?

I first read about Dr. Jack McConnell in Marc Freedman's book, Prime Time: How Baby Boomers will Revolutionize Retirement and Transform America. After retiring from a successful medical practice, Dr. McConnell moved to a gated community in Hilton Head, SC and played golf until boredom began to set in.

He saw that people living outside his gated community were living very differently than he and his affluent neighbors. Many were uninsured and using the local hospital emergency room when in crisis. He saw a way to provide excellent health care and save the community money.

It wasn't easy, but he persuaded the local hospital, businesses, and legislators to support his vision of a free clinic. He enrolled his neighbors who were retired doctors, nurses, and dentists in donating their time to this new venture, Volunteers in Medicine (VIM), and providing excellent medical care to the people of Hilton head. They now experience a joy in practicing medicine that they didn't believe possible.

Dr. McConnell has since helped his dream become a reality in communities around the country, and I'll bet he’s having fun.

Each of these extraordinary role models didn't land in the perfect encore career right off the bat. Each one kept exploring until they locked into "it". Each found a purpose that's fun, and is making a difference.

What would give your life meaning and be fun, too?
 

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you keep it intact and include this blurb with it:  Certified Retirement Coach Lin Schreiber, author of the popular ABC's of Revolutionizing Retirement, helps self-reliant women reinvent themselves in the next stage of life, formerly known as "retirement."  To claim your copy of her free popular Revolutionize Retirement Starter Kit, visit her site at http://www.RevolutionizeRetirement.com.

Thanks for tuning in! Our numbers are increasing weekly and we're getting rave notices from many of you. Most of all . . . it's fun!

Join me for your weekly inspiration cocktail on Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

Coming up next:

WOW: I Could Have Had a VA (Virtual Assistant)! with Lisa Englert on Tuesday, October 27

Hate Exercise? Give It a Tri! with Joanna Ezinga on Tuesday, November 3

“If it's not fun, you're not doing it right." 

~ Bob Basso

Contact her at  www.RevolutionizeRetirement.com.

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