In this episode of the Rock Your Retirement Show, host Kathe Kline and co-host Barb welcome Dr. Marlene Scheipel, a PhD in counseling psychology and licensed life coach, to discuss navigating the emotional and psychological aspects of retirement.

Dr. Scheipel shares her extensive experience working with clients who are approaching or already in retirement and feeling uncertain, anxious, or unprepared for the transition. She emphasizes that while the financial side of retirement is often well addressed in society, the mental health and emotional planning required is frequently overlooked.

The conversation digs into the practical steps of preparing for a meaningful retirement. Dr. Scheipel encourages listeners to first calm their minds and then take stock of what truly matters to them. She suggests making lists of activities and aspirations, drawing from childhood passions and long-held dreams, and then prioritizing these based on what’s most important. Barb shares her own experience of transitioning from a long government career, including a bold decision to buy a motor home and travel—demonstrating the importance of experimentation and being open to plan changes.

The episode also tackles the common fears and mindset hurdles that many retirees face. Dr. Scheipel provides insight into how our thoughts shape our reality and offers strategies for reframing negative thinking, emphasizing the value of resilience, curiosity, and forgiving oneself for missteps along the way. Real-life anecdotes, like a 70-year-old woman learning to swim for the first time, illustrate how overcoming self-imposed limitations can open new avenues in retirement.

To wrap up, Dr. Scheipel offers a special resource to listeners—a Retirement Readiness Checklist (https://bit.ly/retirement-readiness-checklist)—to help them assess their preparedness across different life dimensions. The lively and candid discussion reassures listeners that retirement is not just an ending, but a personalized new chapter, full of opportunities for growth, joy, and self-discovery.

This episode is sponsored by CertifiedMedicareAgents.com.