San’s Birthday Post – The 4 Stages of Retirement

As I turn 53 today, I’d like to share this wonderful TedTalk on the 4 stages of retirement to loved ones.  Dr. Riley Moynes explains that most people go through four stages of retirement:  Vacation, Disaster, Soul Searching and Bliss.    As I think back to the past 8 years, I too have experienced these 4 steps and just now recognizing that true happiness is achieved in stage 4 – being of service.   Being healthy, building wealth and family are priorities but true “bliss” is serving others.  In recent years, I’ve channeled my energies to family, health and “fun” work.   Spending time with my folks and doing projects with my teenager kids, helping them to mature and be more independent has been a joy.   Vowing to be healthier at each birthday vs the last has been incredible.    Building generational wealth with great partners via improving communities (e.g. via real estate) has also been a game changer.   As the kids empty nest in coming years, I aim to prioritize more time for community work and being of services to others.

For happy birthday to me, life is F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C because I willed it so.   I’m grateful for family, friends, health and I’m blessed.