We can always change. Retirement brings us the opportunity to realize that in a big way. We just have to want it. We must rid ourselves of the old adage, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." That is just not true.

Retirement offers us a chance to consider life more closely than when we are busy with work. One thing most of us find that it takes a little less to make us happy. We can jettison lots of ideas and stuff. Happiness doesn't come from just having more.

Entering retirement is like entering a new land. We can play it safe and stay where everyone else does. Or, we can use our imagination and venture out into the areas we have never explored. The choice is ours.

Taking a road trip seems to be high on the list of most of us whether we are retired or not. Here is a short podcast of the methods and habits that have proven valuable to us on several such ventures. A good road trip involves more than just driving down the road. It takes some thought.

One thing about getting older: we have all experienced winning and loosing at one thing or another. That is a good thing, Because we are not done. We learn to roll with the punch, get better prepared for the next sequence and know that the wheel will turn.

Retirement is a perfect time to venture into some experiences for which we never had time. Meditation seems to be all the rage right now. Of course it has been around for centuries. I never thought it was for me but a recent exploration has proven most worthwhile. We, my wife and I, sleep better.

Age has a way with each of us. We have our day. Then we need to let go gracefully. Not easy but important. Retirement is a time for letting go. We can then move on: one way or another.

Rugged individualism is embedded into our culture. We want the individual to succeed. We also want our government to succeed. Our government demands that we cooperate with each other. The word "We" becomes most important.

Sometimes we meet people who make their mark in our mind. Golden was one such for me. He lived life with vigor. We might all do as well.

Milestones indicate where we are in life and where we might go. They are important to consider in retirement. We may have to make them on our own. To do so requires some gumption.