FROM THE DESK OF PRESIDENT DEB PETERSON
Seniors, Retirees, Educators, Unions and Communities in general face many challenges ahead in the year 2016. A New Year offers us opportunities to review and renew. I wrote an article for the Space Coast TRIF Unit’s September 2015 Issue, portions of which I will shamelessly reprint here. Tuck away yesterday, reenergize today and forge new horizons tomorrow!
A year ago I was asked to be a member of NYSUT’s Retiree Advisory Committee. We have been tasked with developing a tool to assist active members’ transition into retirement. As we began examining numerous issues of concern for new retirees, I revisited my own pre-retirement goals and concerns to reshape my personal blueprint for a better “after work” experience.
We are very fortunate to have access to all the NYSUT Social, Financial and Health Advisory services. We know that financial planning focuses on how we manage the monetary restraints and responsibilities during our retirement. The rest of retirement planning has more to do with how we run our life and our relationships. For example, couples need to get used to being around each other more hours of the day. We learn to communicate in different ways and give each other some space. We learn to make room for each other’s ideas and learn to compromise.
Physically we all need to keep moving! Not only is it good for the heart, muscles, blood pressure, and bones, it’s also good for the brain and the libido. Take a look at your life and health policies; review your will and power of attorney; and above all, consider a living will. It’s amazing how much peace of mind you will have when all these things are updated and “out of your worry box.”
Know your boundaries. It is inevitable that people will decide that since you are retired, you have extra time, and extra resources. It’s good to get involved, but make certain it is something you truly want to do. Learn to say “no”, and mean it!
On the other hand, doing nothing…relaxing, watching TV all day…taken to extreme, can cause depression. You need to be productive and find something you enjoy. Activities keep the energy level high and enthusiasm for life soaring. Remember, we are Life Long Learners!
My husband I really enjoy garage sales and auctions. So, my next piece of advice is one I struggle with as well. You know all that STUFF for which you have no need? Get rid of it! Do your kids a favor and toss out your own junk instead of leaving it for them to do some day. Or, at least “Upcycle” it to keep your creative juices flowing and maybe even sell it to make some $$$
Volunteer your time. Horace Mann, founder of our country’s public education system once said, “Be ashamed to die before you have won some victory for humanity.” We’ve spent 65 to 70 years collecting valuable information, life experience, wisdom, education, and common sense. SHARE!
Most importantly, make friends. One of the purposes of TRIF Units is to promote sociability, friendship and contact among former colleagues. Friends are a valuable resource in retirement. Plan vacations together, develop new friendships around new interests and those who enjoy similar activities.
As we look forward to another great year, we invite you all to come out, make new friends and enjoy a pleasant day. NYSUT Retiree Council 43 TRIF Units are open to NYSUT member retirees; spouses or survivors of NYSUT retirees; and to any other education-affiliated individual and/or to any person who supports the goals and programs of NYSUT A Union of Professionals. Please remember, you are all welcome to bring a friend who might be interested in joining our friendly group!