Embrace your new horizons

I came across this saying "Don't be afraid to go where you've never gone and do what you've never done, because both are necessary to have what you've never had and be who you've never been".  Ir got me thinking.  As you approach retirement, it's important to embrace the idea that stepping outside your comfort zone is not only helpful but necessary for personal growth and satisfaction in your new phase of life. The notion of "Don't be afraid to go where you've never gone and do what you've never done" carries deep significance, particularly as you navigate the transition from a structured work life to a more open-ended and self-directed life.

One aspect of this sentiment is the opportunity for lifelong learning. Consider exploring new hobbies, acquiring new skills, or even delving into a subject you've always been curious about. For instance, if you've never tried painting, joining an art class could unleash your creativity and bring a fresh perspective to your retirement years. Engaging in new and interesting activities provides you with mental stimulation but also enables a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

Moreover, venturing into uncharted territories can extend beyond personal interests to include new social experiences. Joining clubs, volunteering, or participating in community events can introduce you to diverse individuals and broaden your social circle. This is important as the camaraderie and support of others can contribute significantly to your overall well-being.

On a deeper level, taking risks in your personal relationships can be transformative. Reconnect with old friends, initiate difficult conversations with loved ones, or forge new connections with people who bring different perspectives to your life. Building and nurturing meaningful relationships can add richness and depth to your retirement years, creating a support system that enhances your emotional and mental well-being.

The second part of the statement, "because both are necessary to have what you've never had and be who you've never been," underscores the transformative potential of embracing the unknown. By being open to new experiences, you can discover hidden talents, unearth untapped passions, and redefine your sense of self. This period of life offers a unique chance to shed previous roles and identities, allowing you to authentically be who you've always aspired to be.

For instance, if your career has defined you for decades, retirement provides an opportunity to explore different aspects of your identity. Whether it's starting a small business, engaging in philanthropy, or embarking on a journey of self-discovery through travel, embracing novelty can lead to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven retirement.

In summary, don't let fear hold you back as you approach retirement. Embrace the unknown, try new things, and foster meaningful connections. The uncharted territory beyond your comfort zone can be the source of personal enrichment, growth, and a truly fulfilling retirement experience.

A Guide To Being A Remarkable Human Being

 It is important to understand that you do not have to do everything on this list,. If you do a few you will beome remarkable to the ones you love.Be Optimistic: Cultivate a positive outlook, even in challenging circumstances. Optimism not only benefits your well-being but also inspires others and contributes to a more positive and resilient community.

Be Confident: Believe in your abilities and strengths. Confidence attracts opportunities and encourages others to trust and follow your lead.

Be Humble: While being confident, remain humble. Acknowledge the contributions of others, learn from experiences, and avoid arrogance. True greatness often comes with humility.

Create Something that Brings Joy to Other People's Lives: Use your talents and creativity to produce something that uplifts and enriches the lives of others. Whether it's art, music, or inventions, aim to bring joy and positive change.

Invent Something that Everyone Needs: Identify gaps or inefficiencies in everyday life and create solutions. Inventions that address universal needs or enhance convenience have the potential to be remarkable.

Take Something That Works and Make It Better: Innovate and improve existing concepts, products, or processes. Incremental advancements can lead to significant positive impacts.

Start a Movement:  Advocate for a cause or idea that resonates with you. Mobilize others to join your movement, creating a collective force for positive change.

Fight for Peace and Freedom: Dedicate efforts to promote peace, justice, and freedom. Remarkable individuals often champion causes that contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

Preserve Our Planet: Be environmentally conscious and take actions to preserve and protect the Earth. Sustainable practices and conservation efforts contribute to a remarkable legacy.

Help the Hungry: Support initiatives that alleviate hunger and food insecurity. Volunteering or contributing to organizations addressing hunger can make a significant impact.

Push the Limits (Break a Record: Challenge personal and societal limits. Whether it's breaking records or pushing the boundaries of what's considered possible, extraordinary achievements often come from pushing limits.

Revolutionize an Industry” Identify opportunities for innovation within an industry. Revolutionizing how things are done can lead to significant advancements and leave a lasting impact.

Tell Compelling Stories: Communicate your experiences and ideas through compelling storytelling. Stories have the power to inspire, connect, and leave a lasting impression.

Think Better: Cultivate critical thinking skills and a curious mindset. Being remarkable often involves insightful and innovative thinking that challenges conventional wisdom.

Read More Interesting Things: Expand your knowledge and perspectives by reading diverse and thought-provoking material. Continuous learning fuels creativity and contributes to being a well-rounded individual.

Don’t Be Boring: Embrace creativity, spontaneity, and a sense of adventure. Being remarkable often involves breaking away from monotony and adding a touch of excitement to life.

Stop Making Excuses: Take responsibility for your actions and choices. Remarkable individuals acknowledge challenges but focus on finding solutions instead of making excuses.

Never Settle For Average: Strive for excellence in everything you do. Avoid settling for mediocrity and aim to exceed expectations, pushing yourself to achieve remarkable results.

Do What You Say: Build trust and credibility by aligning your actions with your words. Consistency between promises and actions establishes integrity and reliability.

Don’t Aim To Be Remarkable: Instead of seeking recognition, focus on making a meaningful impact. Remarkability often emerges naturally from genuine efforts to contribute positively to the world.

Gimmicks Fade: Avoid relying on short-lived trends or gimmicks for attention. True remarkability stands the test of time and is grounded in substance and authenticity.

There is a difference between being remarkable and between being noticed. For instance, running down the street naked will get you noticed but it certainly doesn’t make you remarkable. However, if you were to run naked down the street of big cities all across the world to raise money for the homeless, then you may have a very good chance at being remarkable. In essence, being remarkable transcends merely being noticed. It involves making a positive and lasting impact on individuals and the world. Remarkable individuals embody qualities and principles that inspire others, contribute to positive change, and leave a legacy that extends beyond mere attention.

A Guide to Being A Remarkable Human Being

Remarkability lies in the edges. The biggest, fastest, slowest, richest, easiest, most difficult. Not everyone wants to be remarkable most just want to be ordinary and they do not appreciate your efforts to be remarkable. So what? Most people are ostriches, heads in the sand, unable to help you anyway. Your goal isn’t to please everyone. Your goal is to please those that actually speak up. Here is a list of some of the ways remarkable people get and stay remarkable. Part Two is tomorrow.

Live Your Own Life: Embrace your uniqueness and live a life true to yourself, not one dictated by societal expectations or the opinions of others. Define your own path and make choices aligned with your values and passions.

Be Authentic: Authenticity involves being genuine and true to yourself. Avoid putting on masks or adopting personas to fit in. People appreciate authenticity, and it fosters genuine connections and relationships.

Come Up With Your Own Sayings:  Express your thoughts and ideas uniquely. Creating your own sayings or adopting unconventional expressions can set you apart and make your communication memorable.

Leave Others Better Than You Found Them:  Aim to positively impact the lives of those you encounter. Offer encouragement, support, or a helping hand. Leave a lasting positive impression through your interactions.

Help People Without Wanting Anything In Return:  Genuine acts of kindness without expecting reciprocation create a remarkable impact. Selfless giving builds trust, fosters connections, and contributes to a positive, supportive community.

Don’t Try To Be Perfect: Embrace imperfections and learn from mistakes. The pursuit of perfection can be paralyzing, hindering growth and innovation. Authenticity often emerges from the acknowledgment of imperfections.

Face Your Fears: Confronting fears leads to personal growth and resilience. It might involve stepping out of your comfort zone, taking risks, and overcoming obstacles. Remarkable individuals often face challenges head-on.

Take The Plunge:  Be proactive and take initiative. Whether it's pursuing a passion, starting a project, or initiating change, taking the plunge demonstrates courage and determination.

Question The Norm: Challenge conventional thinking and question established norms. Remarkable individuals often pioneer new ideas, challenging the status quo and contributing to innovation.

Start Your Own Tribe: Build a community around shared values and interests. Starting your own tribe involves connecting with like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of belonging, and making a positive impact collectively.

Say NO To Things: Prioritize your time and energy by saying no to activities or commitments that don't align with your goals or values. Setting boundaries allows you to focus on what truly matters.

You Are Enough: Cultivate self-acceptance and recognize your inherent worth. Being remarkable starts with acknowledging and embracing your unique qualities.

Teach your grand children well.

 I write this blog so that one day, my grandchildren can understand my world and my views on it. I am a big believer that we need to pass down wisdom from one generation to the next. I think this is a beautiful tradition, and it's important to recognize the differences in the worlds that each generation inhabits. However, we as grandparents might try to teach our grandchildren things that we consider  important, but these lessons might not be immediately apparent to the children  

Many of us grew up in times when hard work was an essential part of daily life, especially for those in rural areas. While the nature of work has evolved, instilling a strong work ethic can still be a valuable lesson for resilience and determination.

For those of us to whom the environment is a very high priority, or have a background in farming, the importance of sustainable living, conserving resources, and respecting nature might be a key lesson. While the specifics may differ in a modern, urban context, the underlying message of responsible stewardship can still be relevant.

In the age of technology, some practical skills, such as basic repairs, sewing, or gardening, may seem less crucial. However, these skills not only foster independence but also contribute to a sense of accomplishment and self-sufficiency.

We often faced economic hardships that instilled a sense of financial prudence. Teaching the value of saving, budgeting, and delayed gratification can be timeless lessons, even if the economic landscape has changed.

Life inevitably brings challenges, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks is a crucial skill. Sharing personal stories of overcoming difficulties can provide inspiration and guidance, even if the specific circumstances differ.

In a world dominated by digital communication, emphasizing the significance of personal connections, active listening, and meaningful conversations can be a valuable lesson.

While modern life has made convenience a priority, knowing how to cook simple, nutritious meals, maintain a home, and handle everyday tasks can contribute to a sense of self-sufficiency and well-being.

Sharing family history, cultural traditions, and personal stories can provide a sense of identity and connection. While the specific experiences may differ, the importance of heritage and roots remains significant.

In a world that often prioritizes instant gratification, imparting the value of patience and the rewards of perseverance can be an enduring lesson.

Emphasizing the importance of being an active and informed citizen, contributing to the community, and understanding social issues can shape responsible and empathetic individuals.

While the specifics of certain lessons may need adaptation, the core values that we want to pass down – resilience, integrity, compassion, and a strong work ethic – are timeless and can contribute to the holistic development of our grandchildren, fostering a well-rounded and grounded outlook on life.