Hey Retiree: Unleash Your Creativity

by Wendy, www.retirement-online.com

Hey Retiree: Unleash Your Creativity and Think! Do you ever feel stressed, overwhelmed, or boxed in?

Developing your creativity is a great way to break up your daily routines, release frustration, or find more peace in your life.

I think we need more creativity in retirement. In your search for your creative spark, you may discover talents you didn't realize you possessed (yes, even later in life), new activities that bring fun and excitement into your life (probably too busy to pursue them earlier in life), and new ways to relax and rejuvenate.

  • First, try activities you know you like. What have you enjoyed doing in the past? Have you noticed that you have a knack for drawing, writing, painting, sewing, carpentry, or making jewelry? Try some of the same things that have allowed you to be creative in the past.

    If you aren't sure, start small. If you haven't done it in years, you may love it again, or not. Start small. Avoid buying everything you need to really explore the new skill until you're certain that you've found something you'd like to stick with.


  • Consider taking a class, seminar, or workshop. You can try a variety of different creative arts from basket weaving to painting, from photography to dance. Heck, I might take Psychology for fun!

    Check your local college campuses, arts and crafts stores and continuing education schools to find weekend workshops and evening classes that teach these activities.
 Look for Senior Citizen Tuition Waivers or Discounts.

    There are many online classes for creativity and learning experiences too!

  • Write or journal. Writing and journaling can be a great creative outlet, whether you're writing about your day or putting your feelings into words in the form of poetry or song. 
 You don't have to become a published author to use writing as a productive creative outlet.

    If expressing your feelings on paper feels good to you, just enjoy the process.
 Did you know you could Write and Publish a Kindle Book in 30 days!

  • Create gifts for others. Experiment with different creative outlets by making things for the people that you love. Bake cookies, write a poem, draw a picture, paint pottery or handcraft a piece of jewelry for someone you care about.


    Not only do these tasks allow you to use creativity to deal with feelings and emotions, but they also let you share a part of yourself with people who are important to you... and they will love the gift!

  • Experiment with food. Whether you enjoy cooking, grilling, baking or candy making, you can experiment in the kitchen. When you cook with feeling, you may be surprised with the results you create. Share your creations with others. Regardless of whether you cook tasty meals or bake sweet treats, your family and/or gift recipients are sure to enjoy them.

    These ideas are just a starting point. There are plenty of other options for you to pursue on your own. Your creative outlet can be anything that you want it to be, as long as you get joy from it. Simply find something that brings you pleasure, allows you to learn something new, and uses your brain.

    If you can find a creative pursuit -- you can find joy and peace in every day.

    • Comments for Hey Retiree: Unleash Your Creativity

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    Do It For Your Health
    by: Linda/Nevada

    Learning new skills can help prevent dementia. Doing a word puzzle or learning a new language is a small but powerful way to protect yourself from developing dementia that will rob you of many enjoyable years of your life.

    I enjoy studying palmistry because it has given me insights to my personality and why I do some of the things I do. I also keep a dream journal to record details of dreams that are especially vivid. I do these activities more for entertainment than anything else but at the same time they give me an intellectual outlet.

    Learning a foreign language is so much easier now than it used to be. I feel pride and confidence in myself when I can converse with someone in their language. You don't have to be an expert in grammar and you can find simple lessons with basic vocabulary free on the internet.
    Thank you
    by: Barbara

    Thank you for this lovely post. these are all great ideas to keep in mind. I just retired at 71 and I eager to get back to my art. Who knows where this new journey will take me. Good luck to all of us.

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