Retirement is supposed to be the reward for a life well lived—freedom, travel, hobbies, and time for ourselves. But there’s a part of retirement that often goes unspoken: loneliness.

In this video, I open up about the quiet moments that caught me off guard. Even with a full schedule and plenty of people around, I’ve felt an emptiness I didn’t expect.

And for some, that loneliness comes after a life-changing event—like the loss of a partner through death or divorce. After sharing your days, your stories, your plans with someone, the silence can feel overwhelming. It’s not just about missing their presence; it’s about re-learning how to exist in your world without them. That type of loneliness is deep, and it takes time, patience, and compassion to navigate.

Other times, loneliness is less emotional and more situational—you’re simply bored. After decades of being busy with work, kids, deadlines, or responsibilities, the sudden freedom can leave a strange void. You wake up with time on your hands, but no clear plan or motivation to fill it. Boredom can quietly evolve into disconnection, and it’s often overlooked as a source of loneliness.

Whether you’re newly retired, years into it, or still thinking about what life will look like after work, this conversation matters. Loneliness in retirement can sneak up on anyone—especially after we lose daily routines, structured social connections, or a strong sense of purpose. And while it can feel isolating, you’re not alone in feeling this way.

I’ll share some personal insights, and a few small tips that have helped me reconnect—with others, and with myself. If this video resonates with you, I hope you’ll leave a comment. Let's build a community where we can talk about the hard stuff—because no one should feel alone in retirement.