We live in a winter province. Before we retired, it was pretty much life as usual during the cold and snowy months. In retirement, we don’t have our jobs to consume large portions of our existence. We have time, a blessing, but we need to use it. It doesn’t take much to be Happy if we start living every moment. Don’t wait for the right time to be Happy. Choose happiness now.

Speaking personally, I am likely no better at using this extra time than anyone else. I fill all months with enjoyable and satisfying events and activities, but I try even harder during winter.

I know I feel complete, fulfilled, balanced and happy when my life contains physical activity, social interaction, intellectual stimulation, emotional encouragement, nutrition and more. I realize that everything I do is a choice and I understand that my choices must fit into the simultaneous needs, choices and priorities of my wife, family, friends and Daisy. With these thoughts in mind, my life gets created and re-created as I live it. Adjust, adapt and keep at it. You will feel great.

The activities and events that fill my life right now will hopefully illustrate some possible ideas for your use in designing how to be happy this winter and throughout the year.

The Physical Stuff

Two dog walks each day are just plain fun. Playing Pickle Ball a couple of times each week and curling twice a week provide good workouts within a social context. Often, the social side of these activities is as much fun as the physical part. Yard and home maintenance projects keep you moving on a day-to-day basis. Choose it, enjoy it and change it when necessary. Have fun.

The Social Stuff

Spending time interacting with members of your peer group, your family and friends is big. Finding folks with similar interests and becoming casual friends is personally rewarding. Doing volunteer work within organizations in which you believe is great. Choose volunteer environments in which you feel valued, trusted and included. Volunteering needs to be happy, happy work. What you do there will add to the culture of the organization, and you will learn new things and become part of an amazing and happy new team. Let music and other personal interests become more intentional and obvious. Others will be interested in sharing these interests with you and sharing some new ones back

The Intellectual Stuff

Spending time engaging in events and activities that draw upon previous training and experience can be very stimulating. Utilizing your knowledge and skills in a new application for you is rewarding. When you engage your brain in the service of people or organizations that are not totally familiar to you, new learning happens, and your breadth of understanding is expanded. Reading is a great way to spend time, as is learning to play an instrument, to sing new songs and to learn new dances. Have you been to a concert or a play lately? Do it, have some fun.

The Emotional Stuff

Consider exposing yourself to being specifically in the service of others. Can you go out of your way to make individuals and groups feel good about what they are doing or how they are feeling? Could you recognize others casually and comment specifically on their contributions? Smile a lot. Say good morning to those you meet. Could you make yourself more open and available to others? As you continue to interact with others in inclusive ways, they will do likewise with you. You give emotional support, and you get it back over and over again.

The Nutrition Stuff

Preparing great food for yourself and others is a tremendous hobby. In retirement, you can find time to develop this talent. Preparing food is rewarding from a productivity point of view, and it feeds your body what it needs to be happy and engaged. Try it out; recipes are easy to come by, and family and friends will have advice and suggestions for you. It’s fun, even when the chops are overcooked. Have you been out for dinner lately? How about fast food? Do you share these events with others?

Other Stuff

Have you considered leadership as something to do this winter? For those older adults who have a propensity to lead, who have enthusiasm and courage and wherewithal, this is a viable activity to engage in. Many seniors have been leaders throughout their lives at work and within their communities. Seniors with this expertise find places where they can help, where they can make a contribution and where their experiences fit and add value. While older, they still know what to do and how to do it. They know how to work with others to create change for the better. They know how to influence others and circumstances, and they do it instinctively. They help make our world a better place for everyone, and they have fun doing it.

About the Author

Jay Pritchard and his wife Donna moved to Alberta in 1969. Jay spent 45 happy years working in Public Education, serving as teacher, principal and superintendent in three school systems. Beyond work, he was very engaged in coaching, folk music and outdoor pursuits. Jay served as the president of the Okotoks Bisons Junior Hockey Club for 14 years, a team with a proud past and an outstanding future. In retirement, Jay has been very engaged with The Westend Seniors Activity Centre (WE Seniors), serving on their Board of Directors for ten years. He is currently President and Chairman of the Board.

Choose Happiness Now