“Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.” – Fred Rogers

Retirement – we have dreamed of this stage for most of our lives.

The first few weeks come, and we sink into a much-deserved rest. Finally, after punching a clock for years, the stress of work melts away with this slowdown.

But as the weeks dissolve into months, we start to feel an ache. People aren't knocking down our doors for answers anymore.

Quite frankly – we may be a bit bored.

We have two choices. Continue to sit in uncomfortable quiet or make a change.

This choice is the beauty of Positive Aging. We get to have it our way – determine our road. And with just four focus points, we can transform our boredom into an adventure.

Discover how you can turn your retirement into incredible memories.

You likely tried to give to your kids' schools or colleges with time and donations.

But something happens when we retire – we have an opportunity to give differently.

Baking cookies for our grandkid's classroom or popping over to our kids' houses and helping them with dinner once every few weeks is giving.

We could take on a project at our church or drive to the hospital to hold babies in the nursery. Some of us may volunteer to help teach at a local school or water plants in the conservatory - even the neighborhood HOA likely needs a position filled.

Think about your passions and where your community or the world needs an extra hand. How can you help them out? What regular commitment could you give that your energy to?

Before long, you will find a group of people depending upon your knowledge and time again.

Seek out arenas where your voice can help teach others. Don't limit yourself to what you did for a job.

Perhaps you were a swimmer in your younger years, or you bake delectable desserts – spread that knowledge on.

Just don't silence your voice. You have talents, and now you have the time to share them with the world.

Enjoy learning new cuisines? Sign up for a cooking class.

There is no time like the present to start chasing passions. You now have the time to answer only to yourself.

We know better – look for a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30. Our skin thins as we age. Protect it by upping that SPF level.

Sunscreen is not a one-and-done. It isn't enough to lather it on in the morning and assume by 3 pm it still has the same efficiency. Make sure to reapply throughout the day. And then reapply, reapply, reapply.

You will meet all kinds of individuals in this new moment of life and, with them, new opportunities and routines.

The friend you talk to during crochet class may love grabbing sushi afterward. She invites you to go with her, although you have never had sushi. Go!

Or, while working out at Silver Sneakers, your treadmill buddy invites you to join her at a hockey game. Maybe you've never seen a game in your life. Go!

Change is hard but can also usher in a whole new world.

We can't alter the fact we have change – but we can embrace it and see what adventures await.

Positive Aging is about living life in a manner that reflects who you are.

If that means helping another, discovering how to make a mean cheesecake, or teaching a class on the art of making homemade cards, do it.

Don’t waste another day considering if you should or shouldn't.

Retirement is the next great adventure. This time is yours – go after your dreams!

Cheers to Positive Aging and Discovering the Joy of Retirement!