Appreciate the Little Things in Retirement

We all know life can get ugly.  As the saying goes, when it rains it pours and, sometimes even the most optimistic person can find themselves “in the dumps”.  It happens to everyone.  It used to happen to me a lot.  So much so, that sometimes I just wasn’t pleasant to be around. I didn’t appreciate the little things in life. I was never abusive or angry, I just had a habit of looking on the dark side.  I looked for what could go wrong instead of what could go right.  I am still like that, but I do make an attempt to look on the positive side and it’s more likely to happen when I appreciate the little things in life.  This website has been very therapeutic for me because it forces me to do that, and I have come to see how I’ve lived my life all wrong in some ways.  I was once given advice to expect the worst, so you won’t be disappointed.  I have found that a better piece of advice is to expect the best because, quite often, you’ll get it. 

Forty years ago, I set out on a mission to change my outlook on life and one of the authors I found was Dr. Wayne Dyer.  I went to see him speak and I have a number of books and tapes that I still refer to.  He started out very factual.  His first book “Your Erroneous Zones” did not mention God or even refer to what is often called spirituality.  But he definitely moved in that direction over the years.  One book called “Manifest Your Destiny” is totally devoted to the advice I mentioned above.  When you expect the best, you will see it manifested before your eyes.  I believe this to be true, but you have to truly believe in the process, and you can’t do that without a positive outlook on life.  So, how do you do that?  How do you keep your thoughts positive when the world seems to be falling apart around you?

Appreciate the little things in retirement and your whole life will change.

I have learned that having an attitude of gratitude and appreciating the little things in life is a solid first step.  When you look at the beauty in the world and take the time to appreciate the things we take for granted, you cannot help but notice a smile on your face.  Hearing about the birth of a baby is one thing but to appreciate something you have to go deeper.  Hold the baby and look at how small they are.  It is absolutely an amazing experience to see a newborn take their first breaths outside the womb.  Somehow, many people have lost their ability to see the incredible of our world.  When you take the time to do that, when you appreciate the little things in life, you cannot help but be grateful for your very existence.  Life is a gift.  To be able to reach our retirement years is something so many people are not fortunate enough to do.  Look around this war-torn world and you realize there are generations of people who have never known peace and safety.  Think about that for a while and you realize how lucky we are to be able to sleep safely in a home without worrying about our next meal.  Those “little things” like a home and nourishment are very big things that we should be very grateful for.

When you appreciate the little things in life, your whole outlook will change.  You might even become so thankful that you make an effort to try to change the outlook of those around you.  We don’t have enough positive people in this world.  Life is as good as we make it out to be and, if you’re wondering why you’re not as happy as everyone else seems to be, try looking in the mirror to see what has to change.  I know that sounds a bit harsh and I didn’t like hearing it the first time either, but I have found it to be true.  When you appreciate the little things, you realize what’s important in life and that’s one of the greatest lessons there is to learn.  Take a look at the people you associate with the most.  Chances are good that you’re only as happy as they are and you only appreciate life as much as they do.  Be careful who you associate with as you become determined to change your outlook on life.  Habits are hard to break and your outlook on life is nothing more than a habit.  Surround yourself with people who will nurture your positive outlook rather than criticize it.  Learn to appreciate the little things in life rather than walking past them.

Watch children playing happily on a beach or in a park.  The smallest activities can produce great fun.  Learn to be a child again.  Learn to appreciate life and the world around you.  It’s time to Enjoy Retired Life!

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