Jenifer’s Reviews > Project Renewment: The First Retirement Model for Career Women > Status Update

Not only does laughter make us feel good, it also boosts the immune system, reduces stress and blood pressure, elevates mood, connects us to others and promotes instant relaxation ... Scientists have referred to laughter as an 'internal jogging.' Laughter boosts endorphins while suppressing the stress hormone epinephrine. "Adults laugh about fifteen times a day and children about four hundred" (!!!)

Giving ourselves permission to play may take some work. Our grandchildren are one of the best resources for us to learn to play again ... 'When I am having fun, my soul is rejuvenated.' We reveal our authentic selves when engaged in play. Plato: 'You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in an hour of conversation.' Einstein: Play is 'the highest form of research.'

"In retirement planning, relationships and communication are rarely addressed. Yet we know that couples often do not share the same expectations from one another in retirement ... If we are not used to discussing personal relationships, to start such dialogues at sixty or sixty-five can be difficult."

"The 'white spaces' in our lives are a gift to reflect on what we want to do. Our plan should be flexible enough to take advantage of spontaneous moments for new adventures and endeavors. Question: what is the one thing you have always wanted to do, see or create? How might you accomplish this?

"We lived most of our lives planning ... We are living in a beautiful time of life when we can change, be ready and open ... Planning in later life is really about making sure we living our lives in a way that enhances rather than inhibits who we are ... The whole question of planning in this stage of life is related to my perception of time, ... to depth and fullness of living, not to extended time."

Coping with illness: A "challenge to learn how to rest ... What used to scare me does no longer ... nothing to lose. I take risks now that I ordinarily would not take." Stay connected to [friends] who are ill. Phone, write, visit, bring warmth, compassion and news of the outside world. "These actions are important to women spending most of their time at home or in a facility. Feelings of isolation are pervasive."

Effective career women have had to do many things simultaneously to rise through the ranks and reach their level of excellence. But now we have the choice ... We can give ourselves permission to cherish the moment ... *Now is the time to discern, discriminate and relish our time and the ways we fill it*. What a change...one thing at a time." Question: what are your favorite moments to savor?

"I used to think that my grandfather's saying, 'Thank you for coming and thank you for going' was an uncaring statement to his grandchildren... His words ring true for me now. Being a grandmother is the most enthralling and most exhausting job I have ever had. I am thrilled I can enjoy my grandchildren, spoil them and then send them home."

If an interesting volunteer position isn't available, create one. We may create a position "that will help the organization fulfill its mission" & speak to our strengths. *What are you looking for in a volunteer experience?*

Preparing to volunteer: identify what inspires you; don't be afraid to start at the bottom; know when to make a change; look for good training; keep very flexible.