Greetings!

We want to send our prayers and support to everybody whose lives have been affected by Hurricane Helene.

It is so sad to see the loss of life, loss of home, and the pure devastation the storm caused from Florida to Georgia to North Carolina and beyond.

We will visit Blowing Rock, NC, tomorrow to check on our place. We are blessed that we only had minor water intrusion damage—this is nothing compared to the pictures and videos we have seen.

Hopefully, while we are up there, we can give a hand where needed…

Embrace Your Best Life!
~ Curt & Shari Roese

WELLNESS
Best Meditation Apps

Meditation significantly improves mental clarity, reduces stress, and enhances well-being. Did you know that 14% of adults in the U.S. have tried meditation? Finding a simple, effective app can make starting or continuing your practice more accessible than ever. Below are some of the best meditation apps to help you get started:

• Calm: Offers guided meditation for relaxation and stress relief, with a user-friendly interface and nature sounds.

• Headspace: Provides short, daily meditations focusing on stress and sleep management, ideal for those with busy schedules.

• Insight Timer: A free app offering a vast range of guided meditations, including topics on sleep, aging, and emotional health.

• Simple Habit: Focuses on building mindfulness with short, easy meditations covering stress and mindful walking topics.

• MyLife Meditation: Offers personalized sessions based on mood and stress levels, with simple breathing exercises and mindfulness practices.

Meditation can improve your emotional and physical health, especially as part of a daily routine. With the right app, you can reduce stress, sleep better, and enjoy greater well-being.

Try one of these top meditation apps today to experience the benefits of mindfulness!

TRAVEL
Stay Fit While Traveling

Traveling in retirement can be exciting, but how do you stay fit while on the road? The good news is that keeping active while traveling doesn't have to be complicated!

Whether exploring new cities or relaxing in nature, here are a few simple ways to maintain your fitness routine on your next adventure:

• Bodyweight Workouts: Exercises like squats and lunges can be done anywhere without equipment.

• Walking Tours: Explore new destinations while meeting your daily step goal.

• Hotel Gyms: Take advantage of your hotel's fitness center or swimming pool.

• Outdoor Activities: Enjoy hiking or kayaking to stay active and soak in the scenery.

• Hydration Habits: Always carry a water bottle to stay hydrated and energized.

Staying fit while traveling can be as simple as making minor adjustments. By keeping active, you'll enjoy your trip more, feel healthier, and return refreshed and ready for your next adventure.

Let’s keep moving!

LIFESTYLE
Finding Joy & Purpose

Retirement is an exciting new chapter, but many find transitioning from a structured career to an unstructured time daunting. However, this phase is a perfect opportunity to explore passions, new ventures, and fulfilling activities.

Whether hobbies or starting a passion-based business, this guide offers actionable ways to find purpose and joy in retirement:

• Rediscover Passions: Reconnect with hobbies like painting, gardening, or music.

• Volunteer: Give back through local or virtual volunteer work.

• Learn Something New: Explore languages or technology to keep your mind sharp.

• Start a Passion Project: Turn a hobby into a small business or freelance opportunity.

• Stay Socially Active: Join clubs, attend events, or engage with online communities.

Retirement is the beginning of something new and exciting. Embrace this time by exploring new opportunities, staying socially active, and finding what brings meaning to your life!

PRESENTED BY NATURE MADE
Starting Your Wellness Journey

Starting a wellness routine can feel daunting. However, the simplest changes—like stretching or practicing daily gratitude—can have the greatest long-term effects.

Nature Made offers tools to support your unique path. Visit their website to take your first step toward a balanced routine.

SIMPLI SHARI 🩷

How are you embracing this aging journey? I’ve tried everything—supplements, creams, toners—you name it! Looking back, I wasn’t the best at caring for my skin when I was younger. SPF and anti-aging routines weren’t even on our radar.

Now, I’m playing catch-up. I’ve started using products that nourish the skin, like retinol, Vitamin C, and hydrating serums. I’ve also started using red light therapy—my husband thought it was silly until I caught him sticking his face in it! 🤣

I’m adding more collagen, Omega-3s, and water into my routine. Aging doesn’t mean we can’t look and feel fabulous. What have you discovered that works for you?

Embrace your best life,
🩷 Shari

RESOURCE ROUNDUP

Useful links and resources:

• 🙏 Support the Alzheimer's Association—join the fight for a cure today!

• ☀️ Recent articles and posts from the Happily Ever Retired blog

• 🔗 Resources to help you navigate retirement

• 💹 Boldin: Personalized retirement planning with a 14-day free trial

• 💰️ Monarch Money: Budgeting made easy, with a 30-day free trial

• ⚠️ Aura: Digital security that protects your identity and finances

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Retire to something, not from something."
~ John C. Maxwell

PARTING WORDS
"Retirement is wonderful. It's doing nothing without worrying about getting caught at it."

Have a great week!