Hello fellow retirees. Did you have a childhood like mine? Summers were magical and joyful– few responsibilities, infinite free time, and no schedules. My Hendersonville neighborhood was safe and so we children were offered a lot of freedom by our parents to roam and play. Of course, there were always other adults to keep an eye on us and report back, if necessary, to our parents. What did we do? Built forts in the woods, put on plays, looked under rocks, walked all over the place, and organized pickup games of all sorts. Or just read books, sometimes from up in a tree. When my family acquired some land at Lake Lure, we added fishing, swimming, sail boating and skiing to our summer fun.
Then, of course, we grew up and most of us held summer jobs. In the blink of an eye, we graduated from school and entered the world of work. We lost that endless summer fun because we got busy with year-round work responsibilities and schedules not to mention raising families. But now we are retired. Our time is not perhaps infinite, but our schedule is largely of our own making. Maybe we can bring some of that summer joy and magic back if we try.
There are a few obvious benefits of adding a fit of fun to your days. Better health: Engaging hobbies keep both the mind and body active. Social bonding: Fun activities connect you with friends, family, and your community. New experiences: Trying new things keeps life feeling fresh and adventurous.
Maybe start by intentionally scheduling time for fun. Next, pick adventures and activities that you might enjoy – many choices come at little or no cost. Thirdly, find playmates. And lastly, just do it.
I often hear retirees say – “I am busier now than ever. I don’t have time for extra activities/to have fun.” Hope that is not you. My suggestion is that you deliberately schedule recreational time on your calendar. Somehow seeing “read new book” on Thursday at 3:00 makes you more apt to do it. One nice thing about not working is that you can engage in activities during the week when everything is less crowded.
As far as choosing activities, it is fun to think about things you used to love to do earlier in your life and to consider those things you have always wanted to try. Art and gardening immediately come to mind as does music. There are Beginning Bridge lessons in Hendersonville and in Tryon. Our area also offers many outdoor recreational activities (check out the Lake Lure greenspace with disc golf, the public beach, the Chimney Rock Park trails or the Riverside Riding Stables). The library offers many classes and reading groups and the Flowering Bridge also offers programs to would be gardeners. Music lover? There are many free outdoor concerts offered throughout the summer. Check out Tryon Equestrian Center’s Saturday Night Lights, Hendersonville’s Street Dances, Friday Music on Main and Rhythm and Brews. Go fishing. Take a boat ride.
But you don’t have to leave home to find fun. Play games or cards. Fill up a kiddie pool with water and cool off your feet. Take a walk. Buy a coloring book or puzzle book. Resurrect an old hobby – woodworking, painting, needlepoint. You’ve got this!
I mentioned playmates. That part is optional. Many activities can be done solo. But if you are wanting to expand your social circle, you can meet kindred souls by taking part in activities and classes. If you have grandchildren, it can be such fun to teach them old timey pursuits and/or to have them teach you their passions.
What did they teach you about “all work and no play?” Give yourself permission to devote time this summer to taking some “me” time and just having fun.
