For most people the beginning of the year  means resolutions. Looking back we find things or activities that we want to make a real effort to improve or start this year. By the end of January, most people have already given up on them.

Life after retirement and kids doesn’t mean you’re past wanting to try something different or do something better. I can even use my time better. It is MY time.

This period of my life is very different from my earlier years although age is irrelevant for me. I am open to new activities, new dreams and new learning. I like to be engaged in life, but am picky about what I do with my time because I have more urgency about the legacy I want to leave. When I was working and raising my children, I did not have “me” time often. I treasure the earlier parts of my life, but had things I put on my “wish list” until now.

My faith belief is that time is a precious gift from God and  to be used wisely.  I have a list of things I want to try or accomplish this year. So actually scheduling things I want to do and setting deadlines for myself makes me more accountable. Putting things off usually is a sign of fear, at least for me. Things like writing or trips I want to take are put on my calendar. My volunteer activities are all done on one day and don’t really change from week to week. Spreading them out on different days usually meant I had time in between that I wasted. I am very consistent with my exercise and Bible study time, but still have plenty of time to do the writing  I enjoy and never had time for before.

Quality time with loved ones is also a priority. There are so many digital ways to communicate and it doesn’t take much time. Always having time with friends and family is part of the legacy I want to leave.

My advice to anyone in this stage of life is to find something you really enjoy doing or wanted to try and schedule the time to do it. Don’t put it off any longer. There are many creative activities to try or causes that need help.  Now is the time to go for it. You have gifts to share with others that you might not even know about. Agencies and museums have many opportunities for volunteers.

Pick up the paper, look at the activity section and try something new. Or think about the dreams you have put on hold and go for it. Don’t wait! There is a world of opportunity just waiting for you.