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A note from the author

Welcome to the very first edition of Looking Forward - the monthly newsletter of Transforming Transitions. In this newsletter, you will find short articles on a variety of topics. I will add new topics as I hear what is most important to you, so please feel free to share your ideas on what topics you would like to see covered by sending an email to: info@transformingtransitions.com

The longevity revolution

Did you know the average life expectancy of a person living in the year 2000 is 30 years longer than for a person living in the year 1900? And that is trending upward! So how are we using those additional 30+ years? The current trends are showing that many people are now following what is called a "cyclic life plan" which means they cycle in and out of many phases throughout their lives (versus just experiencing one event per lifetime). Going back to school multiple times, changing careers in place of retiring, starting businesses, starting new relationships after death or divorce of a spouse. Given the advances in medicine, and our overall increased knowledge about the aging process, we are remaining healthier longer, which makes this cyclic lifeplan attractive. The challenge - planning for the various parts of the cycle so we are actually happy about living those additional years!

Living with purpose

A reason to get up in the morning . to know youare making a difference to others and to yourself. Isn't that what purpose is all about? So how do you find purpose, and how do you continue making a difference throughout your life? In their book, With Purpose, authors Ken Dychtwald and Daniel Kadlecsay: "There is probably nothing more important to your daily well-being as having a sense of purpose about everything you do . I would add a sixth rung to the top of Maslow's hierarchy (of psychological well-being) and call it legacy. At this level, rather than retreat and retire, you go beyond self-actualization to a state of rich engagement where you take the best of who you are and the best of what you've cultivated over your life, and bring about meaningful involvement in activities and pursuits that light up the sky for others - as well as for yourself." So a good place to start is with this question: What makes your heart sing?

Take a look at the 2009 Purpose Prize winners to see how others are keeping purpose at the forefront:

http://www.encore.org/prize/nominate?ref=winners.cfm

Recommended reading about the topics covered in this issue:

  • The Power Years - A User's Guide to the Rest of Your Life, Authors Ken Dychtwald and Daniel Kadlec
  • With Purpose, Authors Ken Dychtwald and Daniel Kadlec
  • Too Young To Retire - 101 Ways to Start the Rest of your Life, Authors Marika and Howard Stone

Coming next month:

  • Healthy Aging
  • Caregiving
  • Authentic Happiness