Retiree Rebels: Ditch the Rocking Chair!

Mary Helen suggests that in our retirement watching our language can create a vibrant life. Keeping a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset will provide a way to view your retirement plans. Make sure to listen till the end for the 3 words that help you to create this growth mindset.

Does your present home suit your new retired life? Does the real estate decision you made 10 or 20 years ago no longer fit your circumstances? Ruth Domack, Certified Senior Housing Professional, says things change and you may need to adjust according to your new needs and wishes. Ruth also advises Mary Helen and Carol on the emotional strain of making those changes, especially the dreaded process of downsizing.

Do you sometimes feel unexplainably sad? Former grief counselor Mary Lou Payer Martino says that can be a normal reaction to any major life change, including retirement. In this Kitchen Table Talk, Mary Lou joins Mary Helen and Carol to talk about how the loss of who you once were, along with all the benefits and status of your working life, can cause unexpected problems in retirement.

For this Mothers Day, Carol Larson reflects on how --beneath her mother's quiet exterior-- beat the heart of a rebel.

Using the tool of review, Mary Helen revisited her favorite movie from the past, the Wizard of Oz. Listen to how the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Lion can bring you through the twister to Oz. All we need are our brains, heart and courage.

Do you hear voices? You know the ones in your head that say you’re "over the hill." Ever try shouting back?At the first gathering hosted by Retiree Rebels, we heard how society's negative view of age can deter people from pursuing their dreams. And we gained inspiration from people making their own voice stronger.

Is there a poem that resonates with your retirement? Does being a Retiree Rebel mean you’re taking The Road Less Traveled? Mary Helen and Carol find they are being drawn to poetry now that age and experience puts greater meaning behind the words, and they bring that appreciation to this Kitchen Table Talk (it is National Poetry Month).

Retirement can be hazardous to your relationship. Financial issues, different expectations, and divorce all present major challenges to living 'till death do us part'. Mary Helen discusses the staggering statistics on money and divorce in this week's podcast. Listen for tips on how both Dick and Jane can adjust their partnership to better fit their retirement.

Time and Energy, the two non-renewable resources in our lives. In this Kitchen Table Talk, Carol Larson and Mary Helen Conroy hash over how to pare down the list of what we do with our days so we can finally focus on our personal priorities.

Retirement offers a tsunami of choices. Conserving time and energy may help us discover our bliss. It's all about the choices we make.