Shifting Perspectives: Finding Strength in Turbulent Times

In times of uncertainty, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by distractions and lose sight of what truly matters. We can become consumed by daily worries, forgetting to step back and see the bigger picture. But shifting our perspective can reveal a deeper truth that reminds us of our resilience, our shared humanity, and the beauty of life itself.

Imagine seeing the Earth from above, where night and day chase each other in a never-ending dance. As dusk settles, the sky deepens into hues of azure, purple, and green. Stars emerge, scattered like jewels, while distant lands glow beneath the passing sun. Cities sparkle like intricate tapestries, their lights whispering of lives unfolding across the world. The planet turns with quiet certainty, indifferent to borders, divisions, or human struggles.

From this vantage point, the world is not small, it is connected. Continents flow into each other, bound together by oceans and sky. The boundaries we cling to disappear in the vastness of existence. Even the only visible human-made border, a thin line of lights between India and Pakistan, vanishes with the sunrise. In daylight, the Earth reminds us of its simplicity: land, sea, and sky, ever-changing yet constant.

Holocaust survivor Primo Levi once said that recognizing our shared humanity helps us move toward justice and peace. To do this we must see that life is not about fear, division, or struggle, it is about connection, purpose, and wonder.

As seniors, we have witnessed decades of change. We have seen the world shift, adapt, and endure. Now, as we navigate these turbulent times, we must remember that we, too, can adapt. The Earth keeps turning, and so must we. When we embrace this perspective, when we recognize the beauty, resilience, and unity of life—we find the strength to move forward with clarity, purpose, and peace.

Agency and adaptability in retirement

 Retirement is often seen as a long-awaited break, but the real key to fulfilling it is taking charge of your life rather than simply letting things happen. That’s where agency and adaptability come in.

Agency is your ability to shape your own life—to set goals, make decisions, and actively build the retirement you want. Some retirees assume that purpose and fulfillment will just appear once work stops, but that’s rarely the case. The happiest retirees don’t wait for opportunities to come to them—they create them. They decide how they want to spend their time, what interests they want to explore, and who they want to spend their days with. It’s about being intentional.

Think of someone who always wanted to learn how to paint but never had the time while working. Instead of waiting for inspiration to strike, they sign up for a local art class, meet like-minded people, and discover a whole new passion. That’s agency in action.

Adaptability is just as important. Life in retirement isn’t static, things will change. Your health might shift, your finances could fluctuate, or your family dynamics may require adjustments. Those who thrive in retirement don’t fear these changes; they embrace them. Instead of feeling stuck when a plan doesn’t work out, they explore new possibilities.

Picture a retiree who planned to travel extensively but faces unexpected health concerns. Instead of giving up on adventure, they find new ways to explore—perhaps through road trips instead of long flights or by diving into virtual travel experiences and travel writing. The ability to pivot and keep moving forward is what makes retirement rewarding, even when things don’t go as expected.

But here’s the thing: agency is the foundation. Without it, everything else feels uncertain. You can have financial security, but if you don’t take control of how you spend your time and what gives you purpose, retirement can feel empty. Agency is what turns retirement from just an open-ended break into an exciting new phase of life.

The good news? Agency isn’t something you either have or don’t have—it’s something you build. The most fulfilled retirees start long before their last day of work. They test out hobbies, deepen relationships, explore new routines, and make small, intentional choices about how they want to live. By the time retirement arrives, they’re stepping into something they’ve already started shaping.

So., if you’re thinking about retirement, ask yourself: Am I actively creating the life I want, or am I waiting for it to happen? Because true satisfaction doesn’t come from a pension balance alone—it comes from knowing that your time, your relationships, and your daily life are exactly what you want them to be.

The Land That Made Me, Eh

Long ago and far away, in a land both vast and free,
Before the days of Bieber or the reign of CBC.
There lived a kinder, simpler folk, and they were you and me,
For Dief was in Ottawa in the land that made me, me.

Where navels were for oranges, and hockey was our game,
Where Rocket ruled the Forum, and every kid knew his name.
We longed for love and romance, and waited for our Prince,
Paul Anka sang of Diana, and we haven’t heard him since.

We danced to "Alley Oop" and sang to "Stagger Lee,"
And cried when Elvis left us in the land that made me, me.
Only girls wore earrings then, and three was one too many,
And only boys wore crew cuts, except for Auntie Penny.

We never dreamed in all our lives that we would one day see,
A man named Pierre in roses, in the land that made me, me.

We fell for Bobby Curtola, and Anne was oh-so nice,
And when they made a movie, they never made it twice.
We didn't have a Trudeaumania Two or CBC On-Demand,
And Burton sang for Hollywood in the land that made me, me.

The Leafs were still a dynasty, and Gretzky wasn’t king,
And "O Canada" was still just something school kids had to sing.
The CN Tower wasn't there, nor Expo ’67,
And Marilyn Bell was swimming, in the land that made me, me.

We’d never seen a rock band that was Tragically Hip,
And airwaves weren’t Rush-ing, nor Shania giving lip.
A beaver was a symbol, a loonie was just slang,
And "Sorry" meant we meant it in the land that made me, me.

We never heard of microwaves or telephones in cars,
And babies might be bottle-fed, but they were not grown in jars.
Pumping iron got wrinkles out, and "gay" meant fancy-free,
And Timmy’s served just coffee in the land that made me, me.

We hadn’t seen enough of jets to talk about the lag,
And poutine was just in Québec, not served in every bag.
Hardware was a box of nails, and bites came from a flea,
And "the patch" was farmland in the land that made me, me.

Snowbanks came up past our knees, our summers seemed to last,
And TV sets had rabbit ears you’d wrestle with for laughs.
Coke came just in bottles, and pop was something fizzy,
And people didn’t always say, "The weather’s been so iffy."

There were no golden arches, no Evian to chill,
And fish were not called Wanda, and cats were not called Bill.
Middle-aged was 35, and old was forty-three,
And ancient were our parents in the land that made me, me.

But time, it marches forward, or so we’ve heard them say,
And now instead of Brylcreem, we swear by Rogaine spray.
They send us invitations to join CARP happily,
We’ve come a long way, buddy, from the land that made me, me.

So now we face a modern world in slightly larger jeans,
And wonder why they’re using smaller print in magazines.
And we tell our children’s children of the way it used to be,
Long ago and far away in the land that made me, me.

Retirement: A New Beginning, A Time to Celebrate, A Life to Embrace

I have over the past few posts, focused on the idea that retirement isn’t the end of something, it’s the beginning of a brand-new chapter. It’s a time of renewal, a season to celebrate your accomplishments, and an opportunity to create the life you truly want. If you’ve followed this series, I have explored the many aspects of this transition, from financial security to emotional well-being, from building strong relationships to staying physically and mentally active. As I bring everything together, one truth stands out: retirement is a gift. How you embrace it will define this next phase of your life.

A Time for Renewal

After decades of structure—work schedules, deadlines, responsibilities—it’s easy to think of retirement as an open-ended period. But instead of seeing it as “empty space,” think of it as a canvas for renewal. This is your chance to reinvent yourself, explore new possibilities, and step into a lifestyle that aligns with your passions and values.

What does renewal look like? It might mean rediscovering long-lost interests, returning to creative pursuits, or even trying things you never had time for. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn an instrument, write a book, or study a new language. Perhaps you dream of travelling, gardening, or getting involved in your community. The key is to embrace change with an open heart.

A Time to Celebrate

Retirement isn’t just about looking forward; it’s also about honouring the journey that brought you here. You’ve worked hard, built a life, and contributed in ways both big and small. Take time to reflect on your achievements, the lessons learned, and the relationships that have shaped you.

Celebrate not just the milestone of retirement but the everyday moments that make life meaningful—morning walks, time with loved ones, the joy of a good book, or the laughter shared over coffee. These simple joys are just as important as any grand adventure.

If you haven’t already, consider marking your retirement with a celebration, whether it’s a quiet reflection on your own, a gathering with family, or a trip you’ve always wanted to take. Acknowledge this transition with intention and joy.

A Time for Adventure

Adventure doesn’t have to mean climbing mountains or skydiving (though it certainly can!). In retirement, adventure is about embracing life with curiosity and enthusiasm. It’s about stepping outside your comfort zone, exploring new places, and saying “yes” to experiences that bring you joy.

What kind of adventures are calling you? Maybe it’s:

• Travelling—whether across the world or to a neighbouring town
• Exploring new hobbies or creative pursuits
• Volunteering for causes that inspire you
• Strengthening old friendships and forming new ones
• Taking care of your health so you can fully enjoy these years

The best part? You get to define what adventure means to you. There’s no single way to “do retirement right”—only the way that feels fulfilling to you.

Carrying Forward the Lessons of This Series

Throughout this series, we’ve explored the key elements of a fulfilling retirement:

• Relationships: Staying connected and building a strong support system
• Health: Prioritizing physical activity, mental well-being, and emotional resilience
• Finances: Ensuring security while enjoying your newfound freedom
• Purpose: Finding meaning in your daily life
• Self-Image: Embracing this stage with confidence and joy
• Overcoming Challenges: Tackling boredom, loneliness, or uncertainty with intention

Retirement is a time to live with purpose, connection, and adventure. It’s an ongoing journey—one that evolves as you do. The key takeaway? You have the power to shape this chapter in a way that feels right for you.

The Road Ahead

As you move forward, keep asking yourself:

• What excites me?
• What fulfills me?
• What kind of life do I want to create?

Your retirement is uniquely yours. Embrace it with curiosity, gratitude, and a sense of possibility. This is your time—to renew, to celebrate, and to live fully.

So go ahead—step into this new chapter with joy. The best is yet to come.