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Retirement is around the corner for some of us, and lately I’ve been thinking a lot about changes that could be made now that the kids have moved out and we have more money to do things to enhance our lifestyle.
Living on a cruise ship no longer holds appeal, so what about making a special place to cater to your hobbies, the expected grandchildren, and encourage the efforts of taking care of your body, mind, and spirit?
With some good advice and creativity, you could have all you want in outdoor living as an expansion of your indoor living space.
Design Thoughts
The addition of a deck that runs across the back of the house can provide a couple of levels separating the young ones and their sandbox from the second level that might house a BBQ, outdoor kitchen, and a drinks cabinet for the older ones.
Toys can be under a pergola to protect from the elements and yet keep the kids happy with chalk-drawn hopscotch and fun, comfy places to sit.
Let’s not forget the adults as well. There’ll be more time to socialize, so it’d be nice for an elegant little terrace area that might be like a screened-in porch with folding doors and railings to lean against to chat and gaze out at the Milky Way and talk about future plans.
A nice, elegant area where we could have a sit-down meal, yet still be able to throw a ball for the dog, and can find a storage space for paddleboards for when we get visitors, or we can take up kayaking.
Putting a deck in mightn’t be the extent of the changes that can be made.
You can call in a professional to design/create a deck for you. But keep in mind that different places across the U.S. will require different deck designs because they deal with different problems.
Here’s a quick comparison of why:
A deck designer Adams County PA residents rely on when it comes to deck building will design decks so that they deal with moisture (all year round) and freeze-thaw cycles during cold winters. On the other hand, a deck builder in Maricopa County AZ will design decks to resist high heat and will design them to provide enough shade (deck position, orientation, and size will all have to be considered here).
Plus, keep in mind that a professional will always be able to give you advice about what would work for your locality and make suggestions that you can even DIY.
Connections
Since living through the pandemic, our feelings about travel and straying from home have changed significantly.
Being in our bubbles brought up the desire for open spaces in nature:
A sensory garden where you can touch lovely stones, plant aromatic herbs, you can touch the textures on plant leaves, and be mesmerized by the color of flowers that are produced by nature.
There is a greater need for spaces for play, relaxation, meditation, and sharing time and special moments with friends, neighbors, and extended family.
It is remarkable how even a small space can be transformed into multi-use areas with an aromatic plant that you can eat in your salad, a bean bag, and cushions on the floor, which can change an area into a zen spiritual place for meditation.
Staycations
Traveling can be enjoyable, but since COVID, the charm has faded for many individuals. These days, it makes more sense to create something in your backyard that can make you feel like you took a plane somewhere exotic.
A desire to stay home, especially in your retirement, allows you to really enjoy the things you love in a place you love. Establish theme nights for friends to attend and have a night in Paris, and you could even set up a movie screen, and everyone can bring pictures from the places they have seen.
A peaceful getaway from the noise beyond your yard could be great fun.
A reading nook under a pergola or a small, inspiring place full of precious collectibles and hand-painted rocks could take you away to far-off memories and relive joyful times.
The Reason
How many times during your working life did you relax in a hammock, under the sun, and not think about tomorrow, you are just in the moment now?
There isn’t enough credit given to living in the moment.
Just being there to color with your grandchild, to write letters to family (everyone is excited to get snail mail these days), or send a thought and prayer to an ailing friend, or send condolences to widows and family members of friends who have had a loss. You have a bit more money to be generous with, and now you have the time to be mindful and come from a place of love to everyone.
Being a genuine person who cares and is not afraid to let people know is who you want to be in your later years. Be present, buy the shoes, eat the chocolate, and live your best life.
“No one on his deathbed ever said, ‘I wish I had spent more time on my business.’”
– Paul Tsongas, U. S. Senator for Massachusetts, from his 1984 memoir ‘Heading Home’
Conclusion
Don’t wait til full retirement. Take action now.
Strengthen family bonds by breaking bread and playing.
Enjoy solitude with nature and appreciate that little mint plant that took over the railing on your new deck, and be grateful. Grateful for who you have become, grateful for your trials and tribulations that brought you to where you are today.
You can contemplate the mysteries of life with a cup of tea near a water feature or the soft glow of a fire, and you have a great getaway, beyond the garden gate, no passports needed, just you, nature, things, and people you love.
That’s a fulfilling life!
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Penny Price
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