Early Dreams, Middle Dreams, and Retirement Dreams


Some dreams are consistent throughout our lives—good health, enough income to live comfortably, and plenty of love.

But others change . . .

When we’re young, we may focus on getting a higher education, building a career, and making lots of money. One thing I’ve noticed is that many young people out of college have high expectations. Prestigious jobs with numerous perks, exotic vacations, and homes that are far more than what we could have even dreamed of at that age. As a fan of HGTV, I’m often blown away by what twenty-somethings are looking for in a home, and how even just one room’s paint color can turn them off to seeing what the rest of house has to offer. Ahhh … note to them … paint color can be easily changed.

When we’re in our twenties, life may seem easy . . .  But as we move into our thirties, forties, and then fifties, our perspectives may shift because of responsibilities and experiences: marriage, children, health concerns, job loss, grandchildren, aging parents, etc. Life becomes more complicated, and dreams can sometimes feel elusive. By the time we reach our sixties, what seemed possible in our twenties can look impossible, and we may wonder . . . how did we get here?

It’s kind of humorous that when we’re younger, we fantasize about big, beautiful homes, but after we become empty nesters, we begin to think about how nice it would be to have a small, lovely house that requires very little maintenance or yard work.

Regardless of your age, how do you view retirement? Getting up in the morning with little to do but drink coffee and watch The Price is Right? Of do you envision world travel in your future? Are there hobbies you want to explore? Classes you want to take?

What about volunteering in your community or even other countries?


We can’t live forever, but what we do can change lives forever. ~ Michael Josephson

But, here’s the kicker. We can’t just quit our jobs one day because we’re “done,” and we want to pursue those dreams that were shelved. Oh, if only it were that easy. Trust me, it’s not.

My husband, Sonny, and I have been planning financially for retirement for many years, but we’re cautiously looking at the day that it can become reality. Why? Even with investments, life insurance, and a pension in place, we have to look at the rising cost of living, health care, etc. There are also decisions to make, like . . . should we sell the house or live in it until we’re no longer able to move up and down stairs and maintain the place? There are so many things to consider. But we’re never going to stop dreaming!


You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream~ C.S. Lewis

No matter your age—retired or not—I encourage you to dream. Fulfill whatever purpose God has for you in each season of life.



Check out my earlier blog post  “You’re Never Too  Old to Pursue a Dream” for more inspiration and examples of women who accomplished great things during their later years.


How have your dreams changed over the years? If you’re thinking about what you want your life to look like after retirement, what are you doing now to prepare and make that a reality?


Dawn



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