Goals for Retirement....Happiness, exercise number !

Who doesn't want to be happy?  I don't know anyone who would actually say I don't!!!  But, one thing I have learned in my work as a counselor is that many people don't take actual steps to BE happy. I've even fallen into that trap:  when I'm through with this work project I will be happy, when I have a new house, I will be happy, when my kids are older, I will be happy....the day is lost on BEING happy.

While scrolling through my perscription website I found a special report on "Positive Psychology: A New Approach to Mental Health" by Chris Woolston.  Although I am retiring from the school system as a school counselor, I am keeping a small part-time contract job with a juvenile detention facility. I thought this resource would help me help my clients in that facility.  But, as I read the article I thought that it could even help me attain higher levels of happiness.  As a person enters retirement, there is a realization that time is running through the hour glass and one must focus on what one wants to attain in this life. So, my number one goal is to increase my level and duration of happiness....and to recognize it in that moment!  In the article reference was made to psychologist Ben-Shahar's book Happier.  The first thing Ben-Shahar recommends is to make a list of things that are most meaningul and pleasurable for you. Ask yourself, what makes you the happiest? These are called "energy boosers".  Create another column that describes how much time you spend in that activity. Repeat this excercise regularly and observe what activity takes you away from projects and people you really enjoy.  These lists are another way to remember what boosts your spirit.

OK, I'm on to the first excercise!  I hope you will join me in this quest to be a happier person.

Anticipating Retirement....#2

I am preparing for retirment #2 as a high school counselor, June 14th. I'm really looking forward to it, but I didn't know how much until I did a little art excercise. Yes, I am an aspiring artist and read my "Artist Magazine" faithfully as soon as it hits my mailbox! In the August 2010 edition I enjoyed the Creative Workout article by Betsy Dillard Stroud. As a counselor I enjoy using art therapy with some of my clients. The excercise directed an artist to use the medium of your choice and create a visual expression to answer the question "Where am I?" So I grabbed an art pad and a black ink pen to sketch an interpretation of where I see myself. I really didn't know where to start, so I just started using a box which would represent moving out of my office. What transpired next was one thing after another that depicted how stressed and "burdened" I felt! But, it wasn't all doom and gloom, my eyes where focused on a huge calendar which depicted the days to follow "the" retirement day as very pleasant and joyful.