Being in the mid-50’s age demographic, I feel a bit bombarded with questions about impending retirement and on being empty-nesters, especially questions surrounding geography – where are we going, what are we doing and most importantly where do we want to live? This is the time when people take a long look at where they currently reside and see if it fits the bill for their lifestyle – is where I’m currently living where I want to grow old and gray? If left to the media, I would have to answer no to that question. I mean, how many more images do I have to see of happy older adults all smiles as they hold hands walking up a beach, having coffee on the deck of their home overlooking the ocean, or gazing at a panoramic view on top of a mountain. What if you have quite a number of years in your current home which does not encompass the “fantastic” perception – ocean front home, miles of beaches, mountains to climb – you get the picture.
Do we need to have scenery to be happy? Is this a backdrop that is a requirement for happiness as we age? Does scenery love you back? These are important questions I ask myself. I am not in love with Northern Illinois where I currently live but I am one of those not in a position to move. I don’t want to spend my time here wishing I was elsewhere. I am happily employed here as is my husband, and two of our children live here. I have a terrific support group and friendships that go back 30 years. Having all this history in an area is what makes it feel like home. All this leaves me with nothing else to do except delve into what my neck of the woods has to offer, get out there and take advantage of it.
You can have a good life anywhere. For example, are you envying those commercials where hikers ascent to the top of a mountain, put their arms around each other and gaze at the majestic view in front of them? You can have that right where you are – not necessarily the scenery but definitely the hiking. I found this great app and website called Every Trail so that no matter where you are, you can find a trail in your area. I was surprised to find out that there are 182 miles of trails where I live in Northern Lake County, Illinois – right at my fingertips. Check out your community website and you will find all sorts of outdoor and indoor clubs; as well as social events, dining and entertainment.
If it is not in the cards for you to relocate to where you think you could be happy, you need to give that up. If you are not happy where you are now, you won’t be happy anywhere. Get out and enjoy where you currently live, stop fighting it and embrace it. If your current situation is handing you lemons, then make lemonade – it’s that simple.
What are some tools to stay focused on your present life?
- Live in the moment; in the present.
- Do what makes you happy – you will wake up and be 10 years older in a heartbeat
- Fully embrace the now – acceptance is key
- Be active in your life instead of watching it pass you by
- Budget for travel – it expands your horizons and really does make you appreciate home
- Make the most of every day
- Stop longing for what you don’t have and make the most of what you do
I’m not saying you shouldn’t plan for the future, but the only guarantee in life is that is happens now.
Life Experiences Add Up 