Transition and Challenges in Retirement

Since my last posting my life has taken a few twists and turns which is normal after losing someone close. Its been a challenge because in losing my mum and having looked after my Dad for most of the summer, I needed to know what to do to recuperate my life?

I had a number of challenges re my business and up to the present I have a number of clients I follow and who have kept me on top of things during a difficult period. Also, I kept up with my newsletter for my www.too-active-to-retire.com programme.

I went to Spain for a week in the warm sunshine which is something I desperately needed after a very dull and miserable August in the UK. We have spent quite a bit of time in our apt. in Spain but this particular week meant much more. I realised how powerful the sea air and the sunshine is for one's general wellbeing. As the autumn approached my husband announced he wanted to spend 6 months in Spain during the winter months. This was not my idea of what I wanted to do but I went in November and we had the most beautiful month of sunshine when we were out walking and visiting different places each week. We heard about the freezing temps. and snow in France!

I returned to France for a week and then another week in the UK for Christmas. By the time December came and after having looked at a few properties, we decided that it would give me a better quality of life if I settled in Spain and returned to France from time to time. So this is what we've decided to do and we're in the process of organising a move for the end of April. Once the decision is made there's no going back and I am excited about how my new life will develop in the years ahead.

The message for retirees in all of this is when you want to change something radical in your life, especially a move, spend at least a year in the area renting before you decide to move to another country. There are many situations you have to consider and make sure you know about all the laws re buying a place as your main residence. For instance in Spain you cannot sell your residence, ie if its your principal residence, until you've lived in it for 4 years. Make sure you understand what it means to you personally and your family before making the final move, especially when you move to a different country with different cultures and laws.

The kids and grandkids are delighted as they will have a new place to visit on holiday soon. We are looking forward to the warmth of the sun after experiencing even just 1 month of the winter here - snowy and freezing!

The daffodils and crocuses are peeping up now, so Spring is just around the corner. We have a beautiful sunny day today. As we leap into Spring, the questions to ask my be:

Now the sunshine is back, how can I use my energy to the best cause in the coming months?

What is it I've been putting off and need to do to free my mind and move forward?

What can I do today and the coming weeks to give to friends, family and society?

Do I have sufficient support in my local community? If not, what can I change to develop that support?

Have fun with all of this and laugh and be happy!