Greetings!

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Happy March and soon-to-be spring weather — always a great time to do some spring cleaning and refresh your mindset too!

Thank you for reading this issue of Happily Ever Retired!
Embrace Your Best Life!
~ Curt & Shari Roese

SIMPLI SHARI 🩷
A Fresh Start for March 🍀

March is the perfect time to shake off the winter blues and welcome a fresh start! ☀️ Start by clearing out the clutter—whether it’s that overflowing junk drawer or the garage packed with things you haven’t used in years. A little spring cleaning can make your space feel lighter and more inviting.

Once you’ve tidied up, bring some life back into your home by planting fresh flowers 🌼 or adding a touch of greenery to your porch. A pop of color can lift your mood and signal the start of a new season.

As the days get longer and the weather warms up, step outside and soak in the fresh air 😎. Start a new exercise routine—maybe morning stretches, a daily walk, or dust off that bike 🚴‍♀️ for a leisurely ride.

Moving your body, breathing in crisp air, and feeling the sun on your face can do wonders for your energy and mindset. March is all about renewal—so embrace small changes that lead to a healthier, happier you.

What’s your favorite activity to do this season?
Embrace your best life,
🩷 Shari

CURT’S CORNER

These past few months have been really interesting as I explored the world of creativity for a graduate course I took—Creativity in Entrepreneurship. At first, I didn’t expect much from it, but I actually enjoyed it and learned a lot about being intentionally creative. 😀

The class was half academic and half “go do something creative!” The whole point was to stop judging experiences and just explore new things in life.

A few of my favorite creative activities from the course:

• Shari and I took a resin art class

• We built a rose bouquet 🌹 out of LEGOs

• And I finally practiced and played a full song on my guitar 🎸 — “Jumping Jack Flash” by the Rolling Stones. The UF students thought it was pretty cool!

I’ll never be mistaken for Keith Richards, but here’s my best try:
👉 JJ Flash

Try something new this week!

FROM THE BLOG

The Ultimate Guide to Biking Tours for Retirees

Biking tours are a fantastic way to stay active and explore new places in retirement.

• Why Cycling is Great: Low-impact and great for heart health, plus a social way to stay fit.

• Top Destinations: Ride scenic routes through the Pacific Northwest, Charleston, or Napa Valley.

• Choosing the Right Tour: Think about fitness level, terrain, e-bike options, and group size.

• What to Pack: Comfy clothing, helmet, hydration, and sun protection.

• Getting Started: Begin with local rides, join a group, and book with a reputable company.

With the right preparation, biking can become a favorite part of your retirement adventure.

Creative Writing: How to Tell Your Story

Retirement is the perfect time to explore storytelling, whether it’s memoirs, essays, or fiction.

• Why Write: It preserves memories, boosts your brain, and brings joy.

• Getting Started: Create a routine, use life as inspiration, and lean into prompts.

• Storytelling Tips: Use vivid details, find your voice, and structure your story clearly.

• Sharing Your Work: Try blogging, self-publishing, or just sharing with loved ones.

• Enjoy the Process: Writing is about expression—not just the final product.

Everyone has a story worth telling—especially you!

How to Mentally Prepare for Retirement: Key Tips

Retirement isn’t just about finances—it’s an emotional shift too. Here's how to get ready:

• Acknowledge Emotional Changes: Loss of routine and identity is normal.

• Redefine Purpose: Try volunteering, new hobbies, or lifelong learning.

• Build Routines: A balance of activity and rest keeps you engaged.

• Ease Financial Worry: A clear budget relieves stress.

• Seek Support: Talk to a coach or therapist if needed.

You can embrace retirement with confidence and joy. It starts with thoughtful preparation.

PRESENTED BY NATURE MADE

Wellness is about more than diet and exercise—it’s about treating yourself well in small moments too.

Whether you're spending time with loved ones, practicing gratitude, or simply pausing to breathe, these little habits can have a big effect on your well-being.

Nature Made encourages you to prioritize self-care. Discover tools and resources to support your wellness journey.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Retirement at sixty-five is ridiculous. When I was sixty-five I still had pimples."
~ George Burns

PARTING WORDS

Joy can be found in the smallest of things—a sunny day, a good book, or a hearty laugh. Seek those moments and hold onto them. They lift our spirits and brighten our days.

Have a great week!

RESOURCE ROUNDUP

Useful links and resources:

• 🙏 Support the AARP Foundation: Help expand economic opportunities and social connection for seniors. Your involvement matters!

• 💡 Beachcombing: Take a relaxing walk by the shore and collect treasures from the sea.

• ☀️ Browse fresh content on the Happily Ever Retired blog.

• 🔗 Tools to help you navigate retirement transitions.